France face their fourth game in 11 days on Monday. The coach says rotation must manage workloads while keeping the side competitive.
France will play Belgium at the Stade de France on Monday, 5 October, in their fourth match in 11 days. Zinedine Zidane confirmed he will change the starting lineup to manage players’ workloads while keeping the team competitive.
In the first meeting with Belgium, in Brussels a week ago, Zidane changed nine players from the side that had started against Turkey. He says he will rely on the whole squad. Jules Koundé, who has had less playing time at Barcelona and was on the bench for France’s last two games, said competition can motivate players.
The attacking trio of Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola and Estéban Lepaul impressed in Brussels and could be retained. With Dayot Upamecano suspended, Maxence Lacroix is expected to join Jérémy Jacquet in central defence. Mike Maignan remains Zidane’s first-choice goalkeeper, though Guillaume Restes or Jean Butez could also be considered. Leny Yoro, the only outfield player from the initial squad yet to play, may make his debut. No starting lineup has been announced.