Netherlands vs France Starting XI: Kylian Mbappe STARTS on Bench for France in Euro 2024 clash

There has been a lot of speculations and questions surrounding whether Kylian Mbappe will play for France vs Netherlands in their Euro 2024 Group D fixture or not. But as it turns out despite initial fears of him missing the match, it looks likely that Mbappe will play for France vs Netherlands.

France have announced their starting XI for the game against Netherlands and as it turns out Kylian Mbappe will not start for his side. However, the French National team captain is deemed fit enough to be on the bench for Netherlands vs France. 

Also Read | Netherlands vs France Euro 2024 Live Score & Updates

Kylian Mbapppe starts on the bench 

Kylian Mbappe starting on the bench for France vs Netherlands comes as a huge boost to the team as it has removed fears over whether Mbappe was fit enough to be on the bench against Netherlands. 

Mbappé trained wearing a face mask on Thursday and coach Didier Deschamps sounded optimistic that his star forward would be able to play.

But Deschamps evidently decided it was not worth the risk to start him against the physical Dutch defenders.

Deschamps opted to go with Antoine Griezmann, Marcus Thuram and the unpredictable Ousmane Dembélé up front. Griezmann played further back against Austria, but Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has recovered from injury to start, and Griezmann can expect to play closer to the goal.

Mbappé appeared relaxed when he got off the team bus upon arrival at the stadium. He wore sunglasses but no bandage on his nose as he had when he resumed light training on Wednesday.

France and the Netherlands are level on three points in Group D. France has won seven of the teams’ last eight meetings.

Austria defeated Poland 3-1 in their second group game earlier Friday.

Netherlands vs France Starting XI

France Starting XI:  Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Griezmann (c), Tchouameni, Kante; Dembele, Thuram, Rabiot.

Netherlands Starting XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk (c), Ake, De Vrij; Schouten, Simons, Reijnders; Frimpong, Depay, Gakpo.

(With AP Inputs)