Two teams with their tickets booked for Germany will take on each other in an exhibition contest in Lille before they end the break.
French fans have already started booking their tickets to Germany for the Euros 2024 after Didier Deschamps’s men confirmed their place in the finals. A nervy ending to the game against the Netherlands ended in three points for France after a Kylian Mbappe brace, with their next coming against Scotland.
A late Quilindschy Hartman goal proved inconsequential for the French as they guaranteed a top-two finish in their group. As things stand, they are overwhelming favourites to finish top, with Greece and Netherlands set to battle for second place.
ππππππ πππ π ππ ππππ ππππ! π€©π«π·
Victorious in the Netherlands, les Bleus have 6 wins from 6 and are already guaranteed to take part in Germany next summer π
π³π±1-2π«π· | #NEDFRA | #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/mtnpsKzhLf
— French Team ββ (@FrenchTeam) October 13, 2023
With that win, Deschamps men kept their 100% record in qualification and would like to end this break on a high note with a friendly against Scotland. During the last international round, France played a friendly against Germany only to suffer a late defeat, something the manager will hope to avoid against the flying Scots.
While France booked their tickets to Germany with a win, Scotland had to rely on results elsewhere to confirm their place. After suffering a 2-0 loss to Spain, Steve Clarke’s men had to wait for Norway’s outcome against the Spaniards on Sunday.
After their loss, the Norwegians cannot finish in the top two and may have to rely on a playoff spot to find themselves in Germany next summer. That result guaranteed Scotland a top-two finish, although Spain have since taken over their top place.
As for Scotland’s game against La Roja, the match referee Serdar Gozubuyuk took centre stage after disallowing a Scott McTominay free-kick. While none of the Spanish players complained, the official decided that Jack Hendry impeded goalkeeper Unai Simon from an offside position. The decision has since caused much debate. But for now, Scotland will be a happy one following their progression.
Team News & Tactics
France
Didier Deschamps will heavily rotate his pack and allow some of his key players some much-needed rest. He could make changes across the pitch while retaining a few important players in the lineup from the last game. Olivier Giroud could lead the line, while Antoine Griezmann could keep up his long streak going on.
π«ππππππππ π¬πΌπΉπΆ '24! ππ₯ pic.twitter.com/Q8mvALf7Xb
— French Team ββ (@FrenchTeam) October 13, 2023
Griezmann has played in 81 straight games for France without missing a single match in that period through injury or suspension. It is also the longest streak of consecutive appearances in international football history. Hence, Deschamps will keep him in the lineup.
At the back, Deschamps could give one-cap international Jean-Clair Todibo a run in central defence alongside Benjamin Pavard. Malo Gusto, who made his France debut as a substitute in the win over the Netherlands, could be in line for his first start. Meanwhile, Brice Samba could replace Mike Maignan between the sticks after an impressive start to the season with Lens.
In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga could partner Youssouf Fofana, which could allow Deschamps to rest Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot. To complete the attack, Kingsley Coman could move onto the left flank in place of Mbappe and accommodate Ousmane Dembele on the right side.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):Β Samba; Gusto, Pavard, Todibo, T.Hernandez; Camavinga, Fofana; Dembele, Griezmann, Coman; Giroud
Scotland
Steve Clarke has a few injury issues to contend with but will look to name a strong team to play France. Andrew Robertson suffered a suspected shoulder dislocation against Spain and has already returned to Liverpool for further assessment.
An anxious wait ahead for club and country after Andy Robertson was forced off in Scotland's defeat to Spain. π#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/GJhnzwxxJK
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 12, 2023
Meanwhile, the in-demand Aaron Hickey has also pulled out, which led Clarke to call up former Motherwell defender Max Johnstone. He could replace the Brentford star at left wing-back, while Nathan Patterson comes on the right flank for this clash.
Clarke could change his midfield altogether for this clash, as he could bring Stuart Armstrong and Billy Gilmour to replace Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie. With the tweaked system, he could use John McGinn and McTominay in the advanced role behind striker Che Adams.
At the back, Clarke will likely retain the same three central defenders that played against Spain. This means Scott McKenna and Ryan Porteous will play on either side of Hendry. Angus Gunn will keep his place between the sticks for this friendly.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1):Β Gunn; Porteous, Hendry, McKeena; Patterson, Armstrong, Gilmour, Johnstone; McTominay, McGinn; Adams
Key Stats
- France are unbeaten in their last eight home games in all competitions.
- France have won all six of their qualification fixtures in their group.
- Antoine Griezmann has played in 81 consecutive games for France, the longest such run in international football history.
- Despite their loss against Spain, Scotland have qualified for Euro 2024 after Norway’s loss on Sunday.
- Scotland lost their last two games after winning their previous four in all competitions.
Player to Watch
Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann has played in each of France's last 81 games without missing a single one through injury, suspension or even rest.
It's the longest streak of consecutive appearances in international football history. π«‘
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 15, 2023
The Atletico Madrid star’s attributes sometimes go under the radar, although he is as durable as some of the best professionals in world sport. Griezmann has played 81 consecutive games and has not missed a single clash with injury, suspension or rest.
The attacker would like to continue on this run, which is also the longest streak of consecutive appearances in international football history. Hence, he has every reason to shine against Scotland and put on a show to help France celebrate their qualification for the Euros next summer.
Prediction
France 2-0 Scotland
The Scots have had an incredible year, and their superb run of games in these qualifications games have earned them a deserved spot in the Euro 2024 finals. Yet, they have some points to prove against some of the bigger teams, as they have not managed to break them down.
Their last two games were against England and Spain, losing both. With the form France are in, it is difficult to see beyond a French victory in Lille, as Scotland are nowhere near prepared to beat Didier Deschamps’s men in this clash.
