France vs Belgium – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

France faces Belgium in UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 on Monday in Dusseldorf. Les Bleus finished second in their group and took on a Red Devils side who finished behind Romania in Group E. The French have won all four of their previous matches vs Belgium at major international tournaments with 13 goals scored.

France Form

Les Blues finished second in Group D with five points from their three matches. An own goal squeezed them past Austria in a 1-0 win. A cagey 0-0 draw vs the Netherlands followed with just three shots on target. Their last match saw a 1-1 draw vs Poland with 19 shots and 2.32 Expected Goals produced.

In all, it’s just two losses in 17 matches since losing the World Cup final to Argentina. In Euros qualifying, they dropped just two points in eight matches (seven wins, one draw) with 29 goals scored. Four friendlies preceded this tournament, losing 2-0 to Germany and beating Chile 3-2. A 3-0-win vs Luxembourg and a 0-0 draw vs Canada came next.

France Team News

Kylian Mbappe is fit to play after his broken nose, and he scored against Poland. Antoine Griezmann is pushing for a recall which could mean Adrien Rabiot plays narrow on the left flank.

Bradley Barcola is the player most likely to drop to the bench. Olivier Giroud and Randal Kolo Muani are also set to be substituted in this one.

France Motivation

France will be focused only on winning this match. A pragmatic outlook is expected.

The style of play won’t matter to Didier Deschamps as long as his side win. He does have several good attackers in reserve to chase the game if needed.

Belgium Form

Belgium lost their first match of Euro 2024 to Slovakia despite 60% possession and 1.70 xG. A 2-0-win vs Romania saw Domenico Tedesco’s team have 20 shots but only seal the win in the 80th minute. A 0-0 draw against Ukraine saw Belgium progress on goal difference as their fans booed the display.

Before that loss in the opening fixture, Belgium were 15 matches unbeaten. A 5-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan in their final Euro 2024 qualifier sealed the top spot in their qualification group. In March, they drew 0-0 with Ireland and 2-2 with England in friendlies. A 2-0 win over Montenegro and a 3-0 win over Luxembourg warmed the Red Devils up for this tournament.

Belgium Team News

There are only a couple of question marks for Tedesco as he ponders his starting XI. Winger Dodi Lukebakio is available again after serving a suspension against Ukraine.

Lukebakio is competing with Leandro Trossard to start this match. A back four is expected instead of the back three seen against Romania. Lois Openda and Johan Bakayoko will continue to be impact subs.

Belgium Motivation

The Belgians have played on the front foot in this tournament with lots of possession. They have lacked some spark in attack though.

After being booed by their fans, motivation will be high. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Jan Vertonghen may not get another chance to win the Euros.

Key Stats

France have lost 2 of their last 17 fixtures

France have won their last 4 matches vs Belgium at major tournaments (13 goals scored)

Belgium have lost 1 of their last 18 matches

Belgium have kept 7 clean sheets in their last 9 matches

Belgium’s Lukaku has scored just once in his last 6-matches for his country

Verdict

A close game awaits with neither side looking convincing at the Euros so far. Not many goals are expected, and France could have enough to win in 90 minutes.

Best Bet: France win at 1.90

Alternate Bet: France win and Under 3.5 goals at 2.45

Correct Score Tip: France 2-0 Belgium at 8.25

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis