Didier Deschamps prepares a poker move against Belgium

6 years after the World Cup semi-final, France and Belgium find themselves in the round of 16 of this Euro 2024. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since that meeting in Saint Petersburg, the teams have changed. On the French side, Didier Deschamps is still on the bench and can still rely on a few key players from 2018 like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann. The captain and vice-captain, both disappointing since the start of the competition, will of course be starters on Monday at 6 p.m. in Düsseldorf.

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The question began to arise regarding the number 7 of the France team. He also tasted the sidelines against Poland and his entry into play confirmed this less good move. It remains to be seen what position he will occupy against the Red Devils. The coach himself is still deep in thought. If the defensive quintet is established (Maignan, Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez), nothing is clear for the rest. According to information from ParisianDidier Deschamps is hesitating between two formulas: a 4-3-3 or an asymmetrical 4-4-2, which would inevitably change the role of Antoine Griezmann.

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Griezmann starts, but where?

In the first formula, he would be aligned in the midfield with the irremovable N’Golo Kanté and Adrien Rabiot whose volume of races has been interesting until then. It is Aurélien Tchouaméni who would pay the price for this return to the 4-3-3 abandoned against Poland. In front, Kylian Mbappé holds pole to move up front with this time a change at his side. Disappointed with the performances of Marcus Thuram and Ousmane Dembélé, the coach could well do without one of the two players, always with the aim of guaranteeing defensive balance, without hindering offensive animation.

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On the other wing, Bradley Barcola, moving on his left side against Poland, has his chances even if the staff considers that, given his three selections, throwing him into this round of 16 is a risk. Finally, in the event that the Tricolores opt for the second asymmetrical 4-4-2 system, as during the 3rd group match, it is Aurélien Tchouaméni who would enter the eleven. Griezmann would then be given a more offensive role to support a duo made up of Mbappé and his sidekick. This time, it is Dembélé who would hold the rope in place of Thuram.