Brussels provides Zinedine Zidane with an immediate Nations League measure of his new France side on Monday, as the world champions travel to face Mark van Bommel’s Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium without the injured Kylian Mbappé.
Key takeaways
- France opened League A Group 1 with a 1-0 victory away to Turkey on Friday.
- Mbappé was injured during that match and has returned to Madrid.
- Zidane has confirmed alterations to his starting side for the Belgium fixture.
- Belgium began Van Bommel’s reign by beating Italy 2-0 in Rome.
- Mike Penders and Leandro Trossard remain unavailable for the Red Devils.
France seek a sharper display in Brussels
Zidane succeeded Didier Deschamps as France coach and made a winning start in Turkey, but the narrow result left him wanting more from his team. “We have to improve, and we will improve,” he said after the difficult opening-group assignment.
The absence of Mbappé changes the shape of the French attack after the forward was forced off against Turkey. Désiré Doué came on in the 59th minute as Mbappé’s replacement and is now in contention to lead the line in Brussels.
Ousmane Dembélé may be among those rotated. Asked whether Doué could start at the King Baudouin Stadium, Zidane made clear that Dembélé would not begin every game. A possible front three would feature Michael Olise, Doué and Barcola.
Van Bommel wants Belgium to carry Rome forward
Belgium arrive with momentum of their own after their 2-0 win over Italy, Van Bommel’s first match in charge. The Dutchman wants his players to preserve the attacking intent they showed in Rome when France come to the Belgian capital.
The contest also brings Van Bommel together with Zidane, a former opponent from their playing days. Van Bommel recalled facing the Frenchman once while representing Barcelona against Real Madrid, before their reunion on the international touchline.
With Penders and Trossard still sidelined, Belgium must manage their absences while attempting to build on an authoritative Italian away performance. France, meanwhile, arrive with three points but a revised forward line and a coach demanding a clearer next step.
