Argentina
Indonesia
Nigeria
South Africa

Francevs.Poland

sportsmole.co.uk, 23 June 2024, 18:57
Star forward and captain Kylian Mbappe was sorely missed by France on Friday when they played out Euro 2024's first goalless draw against the Netherlands, but he is likely to come back into the starting lineup against Poland on Tuesday.

After colliding with the shoulder of Kevin Danso and coming away with a bloodied and broken nose, manager Didier Deschamps took no risks with the Real Madrid-bound attacker last time out.

Even though the forward must wear a protective mask, France will want their captain back in the team in order to give themselves the best chance of finishing first in Group D, and in doing so avoid a potential matchup against the likes of Belgium from Group F.

Indeed, Les Bleus have not won any of the last seven games in which Kylian Mbappé has not started for them, drawing five times and losing twice.

Elsewhere, Mike Maignan has a 100% save percentage at Euro 2024 and is certain to continue in goal, while he will likely be protected by an unchanged defence of Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Theo Hernandez.

Prior to the tournament there had been some debate about whether Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate would start for France ahead of Saliba, but Deschamps has selected the Arsenal centre-back in both of the two group games so far and has indicated that he will continue to do so.

In midfield, Deschamps may controversially leave Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni out of the team, as starting Mbappe will likely mean Adrien Rabiot begins the game in a deeper midfield position alongside N'Golo Kante.

Only Germany's Toni Kroos has averaged more accurate passes per 90 than Tchouameni's 103 at Euro 2024, but Rabiot has been a key player for France in past tournaments and it would be a surprise to see him left out.

In the forward line, Mbappe will most likely by supported by Marcus Thuram, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele, although Dembele's performances have been somewhat lacklustre and Bradley Barcola will definitely be pushing for minutes.

France possible starting lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Thuram; Mbappe

Top News

14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Brazilian giants Flamengo have reportedly explored the opportunity to sign Arsenal midfielder Jorginho this month. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly entered the race for highly-rated young Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. 14 January 2025 talksport.com Arsenal vs Tottenham is a historic and bitter rivalry but for Martin Keown, the frenzy surrounding their clashes was initially surprising. 14 January 2025 talksport.com Pep Guardiola was spotted screaming at Stefan Ortega after Manchester City surrendered a two-goal lead to draw at Brentford. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Diogo Jota equalised with his first touch as Liverpool came from behind to take home a point from a 1-1 draw with Premier League title rivals Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. 14 January 2025 talksport.com Arne Slot has been hailed after his double substitution of Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas instantly paid off against Nottingham Forest. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Graham Potter marked his Premier League managerial debut with West Ham United by guiding the Hammers to a crucial 3-2 win over Fulham at the London Stadium on Tuesday night. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Brentford produced a remarkable late fightback to salvage a point in their Premier League home clash against Manchester City. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea's winless run in the Premier League has been extended to five matches after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge this evening. 14 January 2025 talksport.com Chelsea fans couldn't believe David Brooks' robust clothesline challenge on Marc Cucurella wasn't deemed violent conduct. 14 January 2025 talksport.com Andre Schurrle's career may have had its challenges, but they are nothing compared to what he is taking on in retirement 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be under no illusions that the "spotlight is shining" on him, but there should be absolutely no talk of the Spaniard losing his job at the Emirates, according to Gunners expert Charles Watts. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea defender Renato Veiga has reportedly ruled out the possibility of a permanent departure. 14 January 2025 talksport.com Cole Palmer has become the first player since Eden Hazard to achieve 20 Premier League goal contributions in successive seasons for Chelsea. 14 January 2025 talksport.com Arsenal's starting XI could be shaping up very differently for the north London Derby as the club have been hit with an injury crisis. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk After sweeping past Real Madrid to win Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final, Barcelona will now turn their focus to Wednesday's meeting with Real Betis in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bitter foes will renew hostilities in Wednesday's titanic Premier League North London derby, as Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City have reportedly submitted an official offer for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Leicester City will welcome Crystal Palace to the King Power Stadium in the Premier League on Wednesday night. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Everton and Aston Villa will meet once again in English league football's most played fixture on Wednesday night. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal have confirmed that Gabriel Jesus sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in Sunday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Looking to boost their chances of avoiding fourth-tier football next season, Shrewsbury Town will welcome promotion-chasing Wrexham to The Croud Meadow on Thursday night in League One. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City have not included defender Kyle Walker in their squad for tonight's Premier League clash with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United could be without as many as six players for Thursday's Premier League clash with Southampton at Old Trafford. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Seeking to build on their positive FA Cup results last weekend, struggling Premier League duo Manchester United and Southampton square off at Old Trafford on Thursday night. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Aston Villa have announced that they have completed the signing of Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen. 14 January 2025 talksport.com Martin Keown couldn't escape Simon Jordan's fiery questioning as they dissected what's been a particularly tough week for Arsenal. 14 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Aston Villa have reportedly rejected a £40m bid for Jhon Duran from Premier League counterparts West Ham United. 14 January 2025 talksport.com Liam Smith dipped into his toolbox to fix a broken floodlight - then helped his teammates pull off a huge cup upset. 14 January 2025 talksport.com Arsenal have confirmed that Gabriel Jesus has injured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.