After being crowned champions of the world at the just concluded World Cup in Russia, Les Bleus will be looking to continue their fine run of form as they are set to host the Oranje of the Netherlands in what will be their second game of the UEFA Nations League.
France are arguably the favourites as they look confident especially after their success on the International stage. With highly talented PSG sensation Kylian Mbappe in their ranks, Les Bleus remain the team to beat.
The Netherlands, after missing out on a place at the World Cup will look to shake off that setback at the UEFA Nations League as team coach Ronald Koeman looks to rebuild the team. The Oranje are placed in the same group as World Cup winners France and Germany and this will be a tough test for them.
Head-to-head:
With a total of 26 games played against each other, France recorded 13 victories, with the Oranje triumphing over them 10 times. The two teams have recorded a draw only three times.
Last five meetings
France 4-0 Netherlands
Netherlands 0-1 France
Netherlands 2-3 France
France 2-0 Netherlands
Netherlands 4-1 France
Team news
FRANCE
France will be without team captain Hugo Lloris who is sidelined with a muscle injury and also Steve Mandanda who is also injured. Montpellier goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte who is uncapped will replace the injured Lloris in the squad. Lecomte is tipped to become a star in the near future as he continues to produce fine showings at Ligue 1. Meanwhile, PSG shot-stopper Alphonse Areola looks set to keep his place in goal after the fine performance against Germany.
Deschamps will have all other World Cup winning players at his disposal including Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, and Raphael Varane. France kicked off their UEFA Nations League campaign with a goalless draw against Germany, so will be looking for the win in this home tie against the Dutch.
[Goalkeepers]
Alphonse Areola
Benoit Costil,
Benjamin Lecomte
[Defenders]
Lucas Hernandez
Adil Rami
Presnel Kimpembe
Benjamin Mendy
Benjamin Pavard
Djibril Sibide
Raphael Varane
Samuel Umtiti
[Midfielders]
N'Golo Kante
Steven N'Zonzi
Paul Pogba
Blaise Matuidi
Corentin Tolisso
[Forwards]
Olivier Giroud
Ousmane Dembele
Nabil Fekir
Kylian Mbappe
Florent Thauvin
Antoine Griezmann
Thomas Lemar
THE NETHERLANDS
Dutch legend Wesley Sneijder retired from the national team after the friendly against Peru, which the Dutch won 2-1. The friendly was held in honour of Sneijder and was played in Amsterdam. With 3 teams in a group this match was played whilst France and Germany played their opening game of the Nations League.
This paves the way for the introduction of youth players like 21-years old Ajax whiz kid Frenkie de Jong into the squad. Another youth player to look out for is Justin Kluivert.
[Goalkeepers]
Marco Bizot
Sergio Padt
Jasper Cillessen
Jeroen Zoet
[Defenders]
Patrick van Aanholt
Hans Hateboer
Kenny Tete
Stefan de Vrij
Daryl Janmaat
Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Nathan Aké
Daley Blind
Virgil van Dijk
Terence Kongolo
Matthijs de Ligt
[Midfielders]
Ruud Vormer
Donny van de Beek
Kevin Strootman
Frenkie de Jong
Davy Pröpper
Marten de Roon
Guus Til
Tonny Vilhena
Georginio Wijnaldum
[Forwards]
Ryan Babel
Steven Bergwijn
Memphis Depay
Steven Berghuis
Eljero Elia
Quincy Promes
Wout Weghorst
Luuk de Jong
Justin Kluivert
Verdict
I see this as a 2-0 win to France, the Dutch are rebuilding and I think France will have too much for them especially as they are the home team in this one.
