France v Netherlands Preview

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.