Ahead of France’s meeting with Belgium in the last-16 at Euro 2024 today, local sources have now been assessing William Saliba’s chances of starting.
Saliba has now earned 18 caps under Didier Deschamps, but his inclusion in France’s eleven seems to be a constant battle.
Before Euro 2024, Saliba wasn’t in favour with Deschamps, often overlooked for Ibrahima Konate who wasn’t enjoying the same level of form as the Arsenal man in the Premier League.
However, the France manager now seems to have found his role for Saliba at left centre-back.
Saliba is not accustomed to the position under Mikel Arteta, given it doesn’t lend itself to the defender’s right-foot.
But given Saliba’s attributes, he’s quickly adjusted to the change, and hasn’t missed a minute for his country in France.
That being said, French outlet L’Equipe have now been assessing Saliba’s chances of starting when sharing their predicted XI for today.
Deschamps is expected to make two changes to the team who drew with Poland 1-1, but Saliba is set to keep his place.
William Saliba will retain his starting role when France face Belgium in last-16
France are set to return to their famous 4-4-2 diamond, and both Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele will drop out of the line up.
L’Equipe claims that both Marcus Thuram and Antoine Griezmann will return to the team – a more familiar look to a Deschamps team in the knockout stages.
As a result, France’s back line will be unchanged once again and Saliba will start alongside Dayot Upamecano.
Interestingly, Jules Kounde will retain his starting position at right-back, a player who is said to be of interest to the Gunners.
Arsenal have recently been linked with an audacious move for Kounde, who can solve several defensive positions.
Predominantly a centre-back, Kounde can competently play on either side as a full-back, explaining why he could be of interest to Arteta.
Arsenal are light centrally, with only Jakub Kiwior backing up both Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes right now.
And Kounde’s arrival could even free-up Ben White to play centrally on occasion – broadening Arteta’s options.
All that being said, Declan Rice has now been sharing what he said to Jude Bellingham before England’s equaliser on Sunday.
