We rarely associate peace and serenity with the French national team, but it appears Didier Deschamps is currently enjoying a period of tranquility as leader of Les Bleus.
His side continue to purr as they maintained their 100% record in Euro 2024 qualifying last week with a routine 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
Their qualifying campaign will continue next month, with France now focussing on a woefully out-of-sorts German side. The French have dominated the head-to-head matchup in recent years and will be the firm favourites in Dortmund on Tuesday night as they clash in a friendly.
Here’s how Deschamps could set France up at Signal Iduna Park.
GK: Mike Maignan – Maignan’s minutes could be shared in Dortmund, but France’s new number one is expected to retain his place after a quiet outing against Ireland.
RB: Benjamin Pavard – The new Inter man was once a regular for the national team, but Jules Kounde’s ability as a full-back has reduced his significance.
CB: Axel Disasi – France are blessed with a heap of supreme centre-back talent and Deschamps would be wise to give all those available to him a proper run out this month. Thus, Chelsea’s Disasi should come into the side.
CB: William Saliba – Saliba continues to excel in the Premier League with Arsenal and it surely won’t be long until he’s an indispensable figure for Les Bleus.
LB: Theo Hernandez – Deschamps has limited alternatives at left-back, so the exuberant and bullish Hernandez should keep his place.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – The Real Madrid star missed out against Ireland, only playing the last couple of minutes. However, he could come in on Tuesday and partner a familiar face.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – It wouldn’t make much sense to partner Camavinga with fellow left-footer Adrien Rabiot, so Tchouameni, who scored last time out, could continue in the XI with Boubacar Kamara and Youssouf Fofana earning minutes off the bench.
RM: Kingsley Coman – With Ousmane Dembele getting the nod last time out, Deschamps should rotate here and start Coman down the right.
AM: Antoine Griezmann – Some of Griezmann’s best football in recent times has come with the national team. He simply loves playing for France.
LM: Kylian Mbappe – France’s superstar will want to play as many games as possible as he chases Olivier Giroud’s scoring record. Given Germany’s defensive vulnerabilities, he might fancy his chances on Tuesday night.
ST: Marcus Thuram – An ankle injury will keep Giroud out of action which leaves Deschamps with a dilemma regarding his replacement. Thuram should be rewarded for the bright start he’s made to his Inter career. Expect plenty of interchange between the forward and Mbappe down the left.
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