France meet Belgium in a blockbuster Round of 16 tie at UEFA Euro 2024.
Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus qualified as Group D runners-up, whilst Belgium likewise finished second in Group E to progress to this stage.
Team News
France have no fresh injury or suspension concerns to report following their 1-1 draw against Poland, in which Kylian Mbappe returned with a face mask due to a broken nose.
Belgium will welcome Dodi Lukebakio back into contention after he was suspended for their goalless draw against Ukraine.
When is Kick-Off?
France face Belgium at Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf, on Monday 1 July at 6pm CEST (5pm UK Time), live on ITV1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- France won their only previous Euros meeting against Belgium by a 5-0 result at Euro 1984.
- Including Qualifiers, Belgium have lost one of five previous clashes against France at European Championships (W2, D2, L1).
- France have kept two clean sheets in their five previous encounters against France at European Championships – including Qualifying phrases.
- Five of Kylian Mbappe’s nine shots in two appearances for France at this tournament have been on target, with his only goal coming from the penalty spot against Poland.
- Wout Faes has completed more passes than any other Belgian player at this tournament (185).
Prediction
Having scraped through as Group D runner-up following three fairly sluggish performances lacking in high quality expected of this team, France now need to step up and find their clinical edge in open play where they haven’t really clicked yet.
Belgium likewise are in the exact same boat because their end product has been their Achilles heel albeit more down to VAR misfortunes than own sloppiness – aside from Romelu Lukaku’s positioning which tend to be offside in the key moments.
I therefore am not expecting a corker here between these two and it wouldn’t be a surprise if this goes to penalties.
Prediction: France 0-0 Belgium (France to win on penalties)
Result: France 1-0 Belgium
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