The second semi-final of the Nations League takes place at the Juventus Stadium, Turin, as France meet Belgium in a blockbuster clash.
France are the holders of the World Cup, Belgium the world’s number one ranked team – anybody for a scrappy 0-0 draw? In all seriousness, it probably will be a cagey affair as both sides look to progress to a date with Luis Enrique’s Spain in the final.
La Furia Roja overcame in-form Italy 2-1 in the first semi, thanks to Ferran Torres’ brace, but France may feel – despite their inexperienced midfield – that they have the tools to go all the way. Victory may also help banish the memory of their surprise Euro 2020 last 16 defeat to Switzerland in what was an epic penalty shootout.
Here’s how Didier Deschamps, who has decided to shake things up a bit, could line his side up.
Hugo Lloris (GK) – Opposite number Thibaut Courtois has 91 international caps to his name, Lloris 132. That’s some experience in goal.
Leo Dubois (RB) – Not so experienced is Dubois who has just 10 caps to his name to date. Could get the nod over Benjamin Pavard, given his struggles to cement a regular place in Bayern’s team.
Raphael Varane (CB) – Varane has confessed to needing time to settle at Manchester United, but he’s very comfortable leading his country’s backline.
Presnel Kimpembe (CB) – An increasingly influential player for club and country, Kimpembe is likely to partner Varane.
Lucas Digne (LB) – Defensively, Digne is a bit of a liability, truth be told. He does, however, have a wand of a left foot and a keen eye for a forward pass, and can whip in superb set-piece deliveries.
Adrien Rabiot (CM) – Some will argue that Rabiot just isn’t up to standard, yet Deschamps continues to persist with him. He must be doing something right, surely? That and the fact N’Golo Kante has Covid-19.
Aurelien Tchouameni (CM) – May only be 21 but the sky is the limit for the talented Tchouameni. A good performance here could further Chelsea’s interest in signing him from Monaco.
Paul Pogba (CM) – When Pogba’s playing his best football there’s few other players you’d rather watch. Has all the keys to unlock Belgium’s defence.
Antoine Griezmann (RW) – Now that Griezmann’s nightmare Barcelona stint is in the past, it’s time to have some fun again. Revels in the big games for France and has two rather handy buddies up top.
Karim Benzema (ST) – You wonder how many international caps Benzema would have accrued had he not been exiled from the national team for so many years. Still a world beater at 33.
Kylian Mbappe (LW) – The talk of the town after his recent interview from France, it’s time for Mbappe to do his talking on the pitch and bury his summer nightmare against Switzerland once and for all.
