Mbappé starts on the bench against Belgium

France’s upcoming clash against Belgium in the Nations League is shaping up to be a crucial test, and Didier Deschamps is expected to make significant changes to his lineup.

After a disappointing 2-1 loss to Italy, the French national team finds itself needing to bounce back quickly to maintain their standing in the competition. A match against Belgium, fresh off a 3-1 victory over Israel, won’t be an easy task, and Deschamps is rumored to be shaking things up in order to reignite his side’s momentum.

According to reports from L'Équipe, Kylian Mbappé, France’s captain and star forward, will start the game on the bench. Deschamps is reportedly giving his captain some rest, a surprising decision considering the stakes, but one that reflects the depth of talent at his disposal. In Mbappé’s absence, Marcus Thuram, the son of French legend Lilian Thuram, is expected to lead the line. Thuram’s pace and physical presence will be key in unsettling the Belgian defense, which has been solid in recent outings.

The changes aren’t limited to the attack. Deschamps is expected to rotate his full-backs as well, with Jonathan Clauss and Theo Hernandez making way for Jules Koundé and Lucas Digne. Koundé, who typically plays as a center-back but has been deployed as a right-back for France, offers a more defensive option on the flank, while Digne’s experience and crossing ability could provide additional width in attack. Theo Hernandez’s attacking prowess will be missed, but Digne brings a more balanced approach to the left side.

In central defense, Ibrahim Konaté, who has been solid in recent matches, is likely to be replaced by Dayot Upamecano. The Bayern Munich defender has recovered from an injury and will bring his strength and aerial ability back into the fold. Upamecano’s return is timely, especially with Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku in excellent form. Containing Lukaku will be one of France’s primary tasks, and Upamecano’s physical presence and familiarity with top-level opposition will be crucial.

Further up the field, Deschamps is expected to refresh his midfield and attacking options. Ousmane Dembélé, who has been in impressive form for Paris Saint-Germain, is set to replace Antoine Griezmann. While Griezmann has been a mainstay in France’s lineup for years, Dembélé’s pace and ability to stretch defenses could provide a new dynamic. Griezmann’s creativity and work rate will be missed, but Dembélé offers more direct attacking threat, which could be essential against a Belgian side that likes to control possession.

Manu Koné, a rising star in midfield, is expected to replace N'Golo Kanté. Kanté, though still an engine in the center of the park, has shown signs of fatigue, and Deschamps seems eager to introduce fresh legs. Koné’s ability to break up play and transition quickly from defense to attack makes him a valuable asset, especially in a game that could be defined by quick counter-attacks.

In the forward line, Bradley Barcola is likely to make way for Randal Kolo Muani. Kolo Muani has developed a reputation as a clinical finisher and a hardworking forward. His movement and finishing ability will be crucial in breaking down Belgium’s defense, particularly in the absence of Mbappé.

For France, this match is more than just an opportunity to recover from the disappointment against Italy. It’s a chance to test the depth of their squad, to see how their emerging talents handle the pressure of a high-stakes international fixture. Belgium, for their part, will be coming into the match with confidence after their dominant win over Israel. Their attacking trio of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku has been firing on all cylinders, and France’s defense will need to be at their best to contain them.

As the group stage progresses, France will need a win to stay competitive at the top of Group A. Portugal currently leads the group, with Belgium and France close behind. A victory over Belgium would not only restore France’s confidence but also keep them in the race for the Nations League title. For Deschamps, the challenge lies in balancing the need for fresh legs and maintaining the cohesion of the team, particularly with so many changes expected.

The French coach’s decisions to rest key players like Mbappé and Griezmann while bringing in younger talents such as Thuram and Koné reflect a long-term strategy. Deschamps is not just focusing on immediate results but also on building a squad that can compete at the highest level for years to come. However, the pressure remains high. France, with their deep pool of talent, will be expected to deliver, and anything less than a win could invite further scrutiny on Deschamps’ tactical choices.

The match against Belgium is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting world-class talent and looking to assert their dominance in the competition. France, with their mix of youth and experience, will hope to prove that their loss to Italy was just a blip, while Belgium will be eager to build on their recent success and challenge for the top spot in Group A. All eyes will be on how Deschamps' reshuffled squad performs under pressure.