Luis de la Fuente is vying to make it to another final of a major tournament since taking over as Spain’s manager ahead of the game against France. The tactician has already taken La Roja to Euro glory last summer, as he is two games away from lifting another major title. Up next, his side takes on France in a one-off semi-final.
Spain reached the semi-final courtesy of winning a thrilling two-legged quarter-final against the Netherlands, as it took a penalty shootout win to secure its place into the final four. Spain will now bid to become the first team to retain the Nations League since its inception in 2018, having won this in the previous edition, as they beat Croatia in a penalty shootout then.
Meanwhile, France, much like Spain are looking to secure their second Nations League title, but have to manouvre through the challenge posed by La Roja in the semi-final. Les Bleus have already surpassed their performances from the previous edition when they were knocked out of the group stages, as Didier Deschamps’s men have the quality to put up a fight in this semi-final.
France did have a big task against Croatia in the quarter-finals, having trailed them by a two-goal margin from the first leg. They did overcome their European counterparts with a 5-4 aggregate scoreline, and made their way into the semi-finals, and Deschamps will now want to get a step closer to lifting the title.
Despite Rodri making a comeback for Manchester City, the key midfielder is being treated with caution, as he misses out on the squad. Ferran Torres is also absent for Spain against France following an appendicitis surgery.
In-form attacking midfielder Isco is one of those in firm contention for a starting spot, although de la Fuente could opt for his tried and tested set of players in midfield and the attacking third. The only change in the frontline might be for the No.9 role, as Mikel Oyarzabal and Alvaro Morata are the ones vying for one spot.
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are expected on either wing. Martin Zubimendi will sit at the base of the Spanish midfield, although Fabian Ruiz might not start after his recent Champions League final. Hence, Gavi and Pedri are expected to feature in the midfield, on either side of Zubimendi.
There is one more decision on de la Fuente’s mind to choose two defenders out of three, as there is the option of continuing with Dean Huijsen, who has played twice for the team to good effect, or going with the tested pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Robin Le Normand.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Normand, Cucurella; Gavi, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams
The UEFA Champions League final participants may not be in a position fo feature for France against Spain, at least from the start. Those include the attacking trio of Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and Ballon d’Or contender Ousmane Dembele, as well as Inter Milan star Marcus Thuram.
Some are missing through injury issues including key defenders, William Saliba and Jules Kounde. Hence, the backline might look very different, as Dayot Upamecano is also missing from the squad.
So, Deschamps has to choose one of Lucas Hernandez, Clement Lenglet and the uncapped Loic Bade to partner with Ibrahima Konate. There is also a choice to be made for the starting right-back as Benjamin Pavard might get the nod over Malo Gusto.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Maignan; Pavard, Konate, Hernandez, Digne; Tchouameni, Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Kolo Muani, Mbappe
A lot is riding on how Mbappe performs after a goal-laden debut season for Real Madrid, which landed him the European Golden Boot. Didier Deschamps would want Mbappe all fired up to lead the national team into the Nations League Final.
Moreover, the striker must be hurting from watching his former side PSG lifting the UEFA Champions League and would want to make a point on the pitch. Even though Ousmane Dembele has emerged in prominence, Mbappe remains France’s most important attacker, and he must prove that tag with a stellar display against Spain.
France are a strong unit for the quality of players they have, with their defensive setup for this particular round of international games casting doubts about their chances of beating Spain. There are some big misses like William Saliba and Jules Kounde, and it may be time to find out whether Didier Deschamps has anyone better than those two to marshall the backline.
Spain, on the other hand, have all their key players fit, as they have all the ingredients to put France to the sword. Spain are the favourites to make it to the final, and they might do that with the repeat of their scoreline with France in their last meeting, which was at the Euros.
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