France Under-21s return to action against Estonia on Tuesday evening with Gérald Baticle making seven alterations after the 1-1 draw in Iceland, and Lille midfielder Ethan Mbappé set for his first start at this level.
The 18:00 kick-off offers the young France side an immediate chance to respond to the setback in Iceland. Baticle has kept faith with only four members of the team that began that match: goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, defender Nathan Zézé, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Senny Mayulu and forward Mathys Tel.
Mbappé will operate on the right side of the French attack in his first starting appearance for Les Bleuets. The midfielder’s inclusion is one of the clearest changes in a reshaped line-up, with Baticle looking for a sharper response from a squad containing several leading Ligue 1 prospects.
Lens defender Ismaëlo Ganiou is selected at right-back, while Joane Gadou, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain and now with Borussia Dortmund, also comes into the defensive unit.
Baticle, the former Angers coach, has therefore chosen rotation and fresh energy rather than continuity as France Under-21s face Estonia. The evening provides Mbappé with a first opportunity from the opening whistle, while Mayulu remains among the four survivors from the side held by Iceland.
