Belgium arrive at the Stade de France on Monday with their new coach’s familiar shape intact, but two forced absences in midfield will test Mark Van Bommel’s preference for continuity against France.
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Van Bommel has named the same eight starters in each of his first three matches in charge, but Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans are both suspended for the return meeting with France. Belgium lost 1-0 in Brussels after opening the new era with a 2-0 defeat in Italy, before beating Turkey 3-0 on Friday.
The Dutch coach has made clear that he does not favour wholesale changes. Before the Turkey game, he said he was not a manager inclined to “turn everything upside down”. He had selected 25 outfield players and three goalkeepers for a run of four fixtures in 11 days, yet has largely relied on an unchanged tactical framework and defined individual instructions.
His preferred system is a 4-3-3, built around relentless intensity and aggressive pressing, ideally high up the pitch. Belgium were unable to impose that approach in the first France match, however, operating in a mid-block and finishing with only 35 per cent possession.
Players have been given specific guidance for their roles, including build-up areas and the scope for initiative in attacking phases. The four-man defence is expected to remain in place in Saint-Denis.
Belgium return to Stade de France on Monday
Senne Lammens is set to continue in goal, with Timothy Castagne at right-back. Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele should again form the central defensive partnership.
The expected alteration comes on the left, where Joaquin Seys is likely to replace Maxim De Cuyper. Beyond that, Belgium are not expected to make major changes from the team that began against Turkey.
Tielemans’ suspension leaves Hans Vanaken in line to take the captaincy while also carrying responsibility as an advanced central midfielder. Nicolas Raskin could play to his right, with Romeo Lavia holding the base of the midfield as he did in the previous France encounter.
Mandela Keita, now at Parma, is another option from the bench. He worked under Van Bommel at Antwerp during the 2023-24 campaign.
Belgium will need a firmer grip on possession than they managed against Turkey, when the scoreline concealed periods in which they struggled to control the ball.
There are also questions in attack. Mika Godts made little impact against the Turkish defence, while Charles De Ketelaere missed opportunities while used through the middle. De Ketelaere changed the game after moving to the right wing, though, creating Romelu Lukaku’s goal in the 75th minute.
Loïs Openda and Malick Fofana entered only in the 82nd minute and had too little time to influence the contest. Leandro Trossard offers Van Bommel an additional left-sided alternative after returning against Turkey, having missed Belgium’s opening two games.
Lukaku starting against France would be unexpected. The Fenerbahçe forward has had limited playing time this season, despite scoring after De Ketelaere’s assist in the win over Turkey.
