First selection qualified for the round of 16, France can calmly hope to finish in first place in group D with its two victories and a largely positive goal difference (+ 4). The idea is therefore to rotate against Tunisia on Wednesday.
Four years ago, in the same situation, Didier Deschamps had largely modified his eleven against Denmark (0-0). The Blues also had an extra day to recover between each meeting (five against four in Qatar).
With Mandanda in the cages?
The coach had launched six new players against Peru (1-0), with Steve Mandanda in place of Hugo Lloris, Djibril Sidibé for Benjamin Pavard, Presnel Kimpembe for Samuel Umtiti, Steven Nzonzi for Paul Pogba, Thomas Lemar for Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé for Blaise Matuidi. Deschamps seems left for such a rotation. ” That’s for sure, he confirmed on Saturday. Don’t ask me if there will be many (of changes), but I won’t take any risks since we are sure of something. »
Mandanda should be rewarded for his longevity in the France team by taking the place of Lloris, who would therefore wait one more match to equal Lilian Thuram’s selection record (142). Deschamps confirmed after the victory against Denmark, at the microphone of beIN Sports, that the Rennes goalkeeper was the number two in the position.
In defense, it is possible that the only change concerns Dayot Upamecano, the only player established in this sector in the first two meetings. Ibrahima Konaté, aligned against Australia (4-1 Tuesday), arrives in priority to replace him on the left of Raphaël Varane. Absent from the first match and replaced on Saturday in the 75th minute, the vice-captain needs to continue. On the right, the coach should insist with Jules Koundé and Theo Hernandez, even if the Milanese is the last specialist in the position available.
Theo Hernandez in action against Australia on the first day (4-1). (A. Réau/The Team)
The environment should be the most impacted sector. Youssouf Fofana and Mattéo Guendouzi have a head start to take over from Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot, who have become permanent starters. As Antoine Griezmann has been irremovable for 69 matches, “DD” could blow Dembélé by launching Kingsley Coman, but keep Mbappé, full of juice and personal ambitions, like Olivier Giroud, released in the 63rd minute on Saturday. “ I always want to chain, highlights the centre-forward. I proved with AC Milan that I could line up matches. »
Marcus Thuram will be able to come into play again with the rule of five changes, a new element compared to 2018 to allow the coach to balance playing times.