France predicted lineup vs Belgium - Nations League

France were shocked by Switzerland at Euro 2020
France were shocked by Switzerland at Euro 2020 / JUSTIN SETTERFIELD/GettyImages
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The second semi-final of the Nations League takes place at the Juventus Stadium, Turin, as France meet Belgium in a blockbuster clash.

France are the holders of the World Cup, Belgium the world's number one ranked team - anybody for a scrappy 0-0 draw? In all seriousness, it probably will be a cagey affair as both sides look to progress to a date with Luis Enrique's Spain in the final.

La Furia Roja overcame in-form Italy 2-1 in the first semi, thanks to Ferran Torres' brace, but France may feel - despite their inexperienced midfield - that they have the tools to go all the way. Victory may also help banish the memory of their surprise Euro 2020 last 16 defeat to Switzerland in what was an epic penalty shootout.

Here's how Didier Deschamps, who has decided to shake things up a bit, could line his side up.


France predicted lineup vs Belgium - Nations League

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Hugo Lloris
Lloris has enjoyed great success in goal for France / John Berry/GettyImages

Hugo Lloris (GK) - Opposite number Thibaut Courtois has 91 international caps to his name, Lloris 132. That's some experience in goal.

Jules Kounde (CB) - Chelsea's loss is very much Sevilla's gain, that's how good this young Frenchman is. A star of now and the future.

Raphael Varane (CB) - Varane has confessed to needing time to settle at Manchester United, but he's very comfortable leading his country's backline.

Lucas Hernandez (CB) - Presnel Kimpembe is a favourite of Deschamps but Hernandez has been in good nick for Bayern.


2. Midfielders

Paul Pogba
Pogba is France's best and most important midfielder / John Berry/GettyImages

Benjamin Pavard (RWB) - He may not be getting in Bayern's team regularly but Pavard is one of Deschamps' go-to players.

Adrien Rabiot (CM) -
Some will argue that Rabiot just isn't up to standard, yet Deschamps continues to persist with him. He must be doing something right, surely? That and the fact N'Golo Kante has Covid-19.

Paul Pogba (CM) - When Pogba's playing his best football there's few other players you'd rather watch. Has all the keys to unlock Belgium's defence.

Theo Hernandez (LWB) - One of the best wing-backs in the world football, it's surely a matter of time before Hernandez moves from on AC Milan - unless they continue their recent improvement.

Antoine Griezmann (AM) - Now that Griezmann's nightmare Barcelona stint is in the past, it's time to have some fun again. Revels in the big games for France and has two rather handy buddies up top.


3. Forwards

Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe was the man to miss his penalty at Euro 2020 / Marcio Machado/GettyImages

Karim Benzema (ST) - You wonder how many international caps Benzema would have accrued had he not been exiled from the national team for so many years. Still a world beater at 33.

Kylian Mbappe (ST) - The talk of the town after his recent interview from France, it's time for Mbappe to do his talking on the pitch and bury his summer nightmare against Switzerland once and for all.