90min

Belgium predicted lineup vs France - Nations League

By Toby Cudworth

Belgium may make a couple of tweaks from their Euro 2020 lineup
Belgium may make a couple of tweaks from their Euro 2020 lineup / Markus Gilliar/GettyImages
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The second semi-final of the Nations League pits Belgium against France in another heavyweight international clash.

Spain await the winners after besting Italy 2-1 in the first semi-final, and this game should be an equally tight affair between the world's number one ranked team and the current World Cup holders.

For Belgium, it's an opportunity to finally get over the line before their so-called 'golden generation' of players enter the twilight of their careers, and they may not get a better opportunity to defeat France - whose midfield is lacking experience to say the least.

Here's how Roberto Martinez, recently linked with the Barcelona job, may line up to get the job done.

Belgium predicted lineup vs France - Nations League

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois could be a busy boy if France's frontline fires / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

Thibaut Courtois (GK) - Closing in on 100 international caps but yet to enjoy any glory. A clean sheet here and Belgium have a great chance.

Toby Alderweireld (CB) - A move to Qatar in the summer may suggest Alderweireld is over the hill and past it, but that would be a premature assessment. Tough evening ahead.

Jason Denayer (CB) - If you had to single out a weak link in Belgium's defence, it would probably be Denayer. That said, he's showing greater consistency.

Jan Vertonghen (CB) - Another veteran, Belgium must ensure Vertonghen is not exposed in the pace department. Will win his 133rd cap.

2. Wing-backs & midfielders

De Bruyne in action during the UEFA Euro 2020 quarter-final
It's time for De Bruyne to lead his country to glory / Isosport/MB Media/GettyImages

Thomas Meunier (RWB) - A big threat going forward but equally a big threat to Belgium's defensive structure.

Axel Witsel (CM) - Has a major experience advantage over France's midfield and must look to dominate.

Youri Tielemans (CM) - Tielemans isn't enjoying himself at club level right now with Leicester horrifically out of form. Has the quality to make something out of nothing though.

Yannick Carrasco (LWB) - Playing in the big leagues again has done wonders for Carrasco's confidence. A real threat offensively.

Eden Hazard (AM) - He may not be fit very often but can you question the quality of Eden Hazard at his best? Nah.

Kevin De Bruyne (AM) - The best midfielder in the world, probably, De Bruyne is still looking for his best form - but the more minutes he gets under his belt, and the bigger the occasion, the more you fancy him to shine.

3. Forwards

Romelu Lukaku
There are few better on the international stage than Romelu Lukaku / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

Romelu Lukaku (ST) - Lukaku's goal return for Belgium over the last five years is 56 strikes in 58 games. PARDON?!

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