France v Netherlands: Preview, Team News and Predictions
France are set to embark on a new chapter three months after their heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat in the World Cup final, as they play host to the Netherlands at the Stade de France on March 24th.
The two European giants will face each other for their first Euro 2024 qualifiers. Didier Deschamps has already led the team to a memorable World Cup and the recently founded UEFA Nations League. Winning the Euros would be another feather in the cap, and the Kylian Mbappe-led team’s journey begins this Friday.
Also read: Mbappe Named New French Captain
Deschamps’ new contract runs through 2026 and tasks him with an opportunity to mold a squad capable of winning plenty of silverware in the coming years. With a roster composed of the likes of William Saliba, Wesley Fofana, Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate and Benoit Badiashile waiting on the wings to replace the retired Raphael Varane, Les Bleus’ talent pool is stacked from top to bottom. Their list of centre-backs is simply an indication of the depth and quality they possess on all fronts.
The pressure of finishing at the top of Group B will be eased by their record of five wins in six recent meetings with Netherlands.
The Oranje’s fate in the World Cup was sealed at the hands of Argentina as well, having failed to hold their nerves in the quarter-final penalty shootout.
Ronald Koeman will begin scratching the surface of this team for the second time following Louis Van Gaal’s retirement. His record of guiding Netherlands to the 2020 Euros bodes well, especially for a team that had previously failed to qualify for the 2016 event as well as the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Will Deschamps begin France’s new dawn with a win, or will Koeman make a statement to the rest of Europe in his first game back as the national team’s manager? Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game.
Team News
France
Wesley Fofana, who was named to the senior squad for the first time, had to withdraw due to a muscle strain. William Saliba, unfortunately, experienced a lower back injury in Arsenal’s defeat to Sporting CP.
The uncapped Jean-Clair Todibo will be gunning for a start at the heart of defense, while Mike Maignan is favorite to fill the shoes of Hugo Lloris hereafter.
Netherlands
Frenkie de Jong’s fresh injury is a big blow for the Netherlands, as is the absence of Steven Bergwijn. On the brighter side, Georginio Wijnaldum has returned to the squad after having missed out in the World Cup.
Premier League stars Wout Weghorst, Nathan Ake, Cody Gakpo and Sven Botman are all slated to feature.
Denzel Dumfries, meanwhile, is suspended.
Predicted XI
France probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Coman, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Netherlands probable line-up (4-3-3): Cillessen; Timber, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Blind; Wijnaldum, De Roon, Veerman; Depay, Weghorst, Gakpo
Match Prediction
France’s depth simply cannot be overlooked; it’s a young team that has the appetite to succeed. Given the change in management and the time Koeman might require to implement a more possession-based, fluid football, we expect the hosts to come away with all three points.
Final score: France 3-1 Netherlands
-Akarshak Roy
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Dmitrij Nejmyrok. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.