Belgium have turned to Romelu Lukaku for their meeting with France, with Mark van Bommel handing the Fenerbahçe striker the captaincy in a heavily altered side. Six changes have been made from the team that lost 1-0 to Les Bleus in Brussels.
The move
Lukaku starts up front after initially being considered short of match rhythm following his recent time at Fenerbahçe. Van Bommel had suggested the forward still needed minutes at club level, but has now selected Belgium’s all-time leading scorer to lead the line against France.
The 32-year-old offers a more direct option than Charles De Ketelaere, particularly if Belgium are forced into a low or medium defensive block. His pace into open space and his ability to occupy France’s central defenders will be central to Belgium’s approach.
Diego Moreira will support Lukaku from the left wing. The former Strasbourg player had a demanding evening on the opposite flank during the Brussels defeat, when his technical contribution was difficult at times. Against France, he is expected to work the channel occupied by Jules Koundé, combining defensive cover with pressing.
Mika Godts drops to the bench despite the Paris Saint-Germain winger having appeared at Sunday’s press conference. Van Bommel had warned that the young wide player could face a difficult physical assignment on Monday night.
Maarten Vandevoordt also comes into the team, replacing Senne Lammens in goal. The RB Leipzig goalkeeper is one of the six changes, while Belgium’s four-man defence remains intact, with Joaquin Seys continuing at left-back.
In midfield, Hans Vanaken has been chosen ahead of Leandro Trossard. Malik Fofana, meanwhile, is out of the matchday squad again, having also missed out in Rome and Brussels.
The French season around it
Moreira’s selection gives the French football audience a familiar name in Belgium’s reshaped attack. The winger previously played for Strasbourg, and his return to a role against France comes with a tactical duty as much as an attacking one: contain Koundé’s flank while helping Belgium find Lukaku early in transition.
- Diego Moreira: former Strasbourg winger, selected on Belgium’s left side.
- Mika Godts: Paris Saint-Germain winger, named among the substitutes.
For Lukaku, the occasion is a chance to reassert his importance after questions over his recent playing time. Belgium have freshened a side that had relied on largely the same group for 11 days, and their captain will be asked to make the changes count against France.
