France lineup vs. Germany: Predicted XI for UEFA Nations League third-place playoff

After falling at the semi-final stage in a spectacular nine-goal thriller, France will fight it out with Germany to claim third place in this season’s UEFA Nations League.

Nearing his final year in charge, head coach Didier Deschamps has plenty to mull over before naming his team to play the tournament hosts on Sunday.

Having capitulated against Spain, trailing twice by four goals before finishing up 5-4 losers, Les Bleus must again field a makeshift defence missing several regular starters.

Most prominently, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba and Jules Kounde are all absent this month, so recalled journeyman Clement Lenglet partnered Ibrahima Konate on Thursday - either Lucas Hernandez or uncapped Loic Bade could now be brought in.

Pierre Kalulu failed to convince at right-back, so Benjamin Pavard and Malo Gusto can compete with the versatile Juventus defender to start at right-back, while Lucas Digne may supplant an off-colour Theo Hernandez on the left flank.

Further changes could take place in midfield, where Aurelien Tchouameni and Matteo Guendouzi are prime candidates to play, and Deschamps has a multitude of riches up front.

Paris Saint-Germain stars Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola have both picked up knocks, so Manchester City-linked forward Rayan Cherki could join Michael Olise in the final third.

Captain Kylian Mbappe - who seeks a 50th France goal - should again lead his nation’s attack, with former clubmate Randal Kolo Muani and Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram available on the bench.

France possible starting lineup: Maignan; Pavard, Konate, L. Hernandez, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Cherki, Doue; Mbappe

> Click here to see how Germany could line up for this third-place playoff

Written by
Jonathan O'Shea