France head coach Didier Deschamps to trial new formation against Belgium

France head coach Didier Deschamps is reportedly considering using a different formation for Les Bleus‘ upcoming RO16 game against Belgium, according to a report this Saturday from L’Equipe. On the back of an underwhelming group stage concluded by back-to-back draws against The Netherlands (0-0) and Poland (1-1), France have been paired with Domenico Tedesco’s Diables Rouges for a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final. France v Belgium will be played this Monday, at 6pm CET, at Düsseldorf.

The outlet report that Didier Deschamps has reflected with his players on the best way to play against Belgium. France are expected to field a tried and trusted 4-4-2 system, which was the go-to formation for France in the two last World Cups of which they reached the final. The France head coach already fielded a 4-4-2 in the group stage against The Netherlands, with Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot as a left-sided midfielder tasked to provide defensive stability. The experiment turned inconclusive.

However, Didier Deschamps is reportedly considering using a diamond midfield with Antoine Griezmann, who was dropped against Poland, in a more advanced role. Kylian Mbappé would be paired up front with Inter striker Marcus Thuram. N’Golo Kanté would roam as a 6 with Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni acting as central midfielders.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval