three changes to come against Portugal

The France team provided the essentials. Even before having played their third group match against Portugal, the defending champion, the team coached by Didier Deschamps took advantage of the victories of Austria against Ukraine (1-0) and Belgium against Finland (2-0) to qualify for the round of 16. It remains to be seen where the Blues will finish, currently first in their group (with 1 point ahead of Germany and the Lusitanians).

The goal of the world champions will necessarily be to win against the Seleção das Quinas, just to avoid a too complicated course. And to do this, the entire French press says that three changes should be made by the coach. The first concerns the position of right side occupied by Benjamin Pavard. Correct against the Germans, the Bayern Munich player sank last Saturday against Hungary.

A big first for Jules Koundé?

Exceeded most of the time, was Pavard really in a state of play after his terrible shock with Gosens? It’s hard to say if that played out, although another big contact against the Hungarians probably didn’t help matters. Against Portugal, the former Lille could therefore breathe and give way to Jules Koundé. At 22, the international Espoirs (8 caps, 1 goal) was one of the surprises on Deschamps’ list.

Central defender very noticed in Seville, the ex-Bordelais has the advantage of having already evolved to the position of right side. Praised for his defensive qualities and his ability to project himself forward when he is repositioned in this position, Koundé has a good card to play for his first official appearance in the A. On the left side, Lucas Hernandez should, as for it is up to him to regain his position as holder. Lucas Digne would not have convinced more than that against Hungary.

Finally, the last change should take place in midfield. Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté remain untouchable, but not Adrien Rabiot. Competing with Corentin Tolisso, the Juventus player appeared somewhat blunt against Hungary. Returning in time to be part of the 26, Tolisso has scored points every time he entered the game. Next Wednesday, he will have the opportunity to do better than that and earn a starting place.