France head coach Didier Deschamps may choose to rest several players who featured in the Champions League final.
France and Spain are set to collide in a blockbuster UEFA Nations League semi-final on Thursday, reigniting a growing rivalry between two of Europe’s elite footballing powers. With Germany and Portugal contesting the other semi-final a day earlier, this tie will decide who earns the right to battle for silverware in Munich.
Both sides took dramatic routes to reach the last four. Spain edged the Netherlands in a thrilling quarter-final tie, winning the penalty shootout 5-4 after a 3-3 aggregate draw. France, meanwhile, pulled off a stunning comeback against Croatia, rallying from 2-0 down to force extra time and then prevailing on penalties.
France, led by the electric Kylian Mbappe, will be at full strength with Champions League winners Ousmane Dembele and rising star Desire Doue in top form. Across the pitch, Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal looks destined to continue his meteoric rise.
Spain defeated France in the Euro 2024 semifinal last year, with goals from Yamal and Dani Olmo sealing a 2-1 win. That came three years after France beat Spain in the 2021 Nations League final. The winner here will meet either Germany or Portugal in the final at the Munich Football Arena.
PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz is part of the Spain squad but is expected to start on the bench as he recovers from a demanding season following PSG’s recent Champions League triumph. At the heart of defence, Luis de la Fuente faces a tough decision. While experienced Robin Le Normand remains a trusted figure, young talents Pau Cubarsí and Dean Huijsen are pushing hard for starting roles after standout seasons.
In attack, the electric duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are set to operate on the flanks, supporting captain Alvaro Morata up front.
Unai Simon; Mingueza, Cubarsí, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Ruíz; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Morata
France head coach Didier Deschamps may choose to rest several players who featured in the Champions League final namely Lucas Hernandez, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaire-Emery, Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram, and Benjamin Pavard. However, given the devastating form Dembele is in right now, the French manager may be tempted to start him.
In defence, with William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano ruled out, Clement Lenglet may get the nod to partner Ibrahima Konaté at centre-back. This adjustment could bring some stability while also managing player workloads.
Maignan; Gusto, Konate, Clement Lenglet, Digne; Tchouameni, Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Mbappe, Dembele
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