France vs Belgium: Preview, predictions and lineups
France’s inability to top Group D means that they now face a challenging clash with Belgium in the last 16 at Euro 2024.
Having drawn with already eliminated Poland in their final group game, Les Bleus could only finish runners-up to Austria. The tournament favourites have been largely underwhelming in Germany so far and have managed just two goals across their opening three matches, one of which was an own goal and the other a penalty.
Didier Deschamps‘ side have the deepest and strongest squad in the competition but have struggled to find their way out of second gear yet. A clash against Belgium in the last 16 – a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final – could kickstart their tournament.
After all, Belgium have been similarly disappointing at Euro 2024. Following an opening game defeat to Slovakia, a win against Romania and a tame draw with Ukraine saw them also qualify in second place. Romelu Lukaku has been both unfortunate and unconvincing up top, while even Kevin De Bruyne hasn’t been able to paper over significant cracks across the Belgium team.
Here’s 90min’s guide to France vs Belgium at Euro 2024.
France vs Belgium H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
|
France |
Belgium |
|---|---|
|
France 1-1 Poland – 25/06/24 |
Ukraine 0-0 Belgium – 26/06/24 |
|
Netherlands 0-0 France – 21/06/24 |
Belgium 2-0 Romania – 22/06/24 |
|
Austria 0-1 France – 17/06/24 |
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia – 17/06/24 |
|
France 0-0 Canada – 09/06/24 |
Belgium 3-0 Luxembourg – 08/06/24 |
|
France 3-0 Luxembourg – 05/06/24 |
Belgium 2-0 Montenegro – 05/06/24 |
|
Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
|
United States |
fuboTV, Sling, Foxsports.com, FOX Sports App, Fox Sports 1, ViX |
|
Canada |
TSN3, TSN4, TVA+ |
Having broken his nose against Austria and missed the subsequent clash with the Netherlands, Kylian Mbappe returned for France’s final group game with Poland. He netted his first goal in any Euros with a well-taken penalty during a 1-1 draw.
Deschamps didn’t make many changes for France’s clash with Poland and shouldn’t make many for the meeting with Belgium either. Antoine Griezmann was only given half-an-hour, however, and will come back in to the starting lineup on Monday.
France predicted lineup vs Belgium (4-3-3): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Griezmann, Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Mbappe, Thuram.
Belgium have struggled with defensive injuries throughout the tournament but have now welcomed Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate back into the fold. However, Domenico Tedesco may very well be without Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier against France, both of whom are yet to feature in Germany.
Youri Tielemans has started the last two matches and appears to have knocked Orel Mangala down the pecking order, while Johan Bakayoko and Lois Openda must be wondering what they need to do to deserve starts in a misfiring Belgium front line.
Belgium predicted lineup vs France (4-2-3-1): Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; Lukaku.
France and Belgium have both left a lot to be desired at Euro 2024. They have each struggled going forward while boasting solid defences, even despite the latter being an obvious weak area for Belgium in terms of personnel. However, there can be no doubting the favourite for this one.
You would be brave to bet against France reaching the quarter-finals on Monday, with their tournament knowhow and superior squad almost certainly taking them through. Their slow start aside, they are Europe’s best international team.
Tournament football can produce bizarre results, but there isn’t likely to be one in Dusseldorf.