Three days after the prestigious victory against Brazil, Didier Deschamps is going to make significant changes to his team at the start of the match against Colombia on Sunday evening in Landover.
The French team players arrived in Washington on Thursday evening, following their success against Brazil (2-1). Despite a longer-than-expected journey with extensive security checks at Logan Airport, the majority of the group found time to unwind. Privately, everyone agrees that the atmosphere remains very tense. This is also reflected in the attitude of coach Didier Deschamps.
Desiré Doué is suffering from a back injury. The PSG striker has been experiencing severe lower back pain for several days, possibly even weeks. His fitness will be monitored in the coming hours, but the trend suggests he may not start tomorrow’s game.
Only 13 players trained in Washington. As stated in a press conference after the match in Foxborough, Didier Deschamps is expected to make major changes. Brice Samba may get playing time in goal. Maxence Lacroix could earn his second international cap in defense alongside Lucas Digne or Lucas Hernandez. N’Golo Kanté could partner with Eduardo Camavinga in midfield. Up front, four attacking players are expected – Randal Kolo Muani, Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche, and Marcus Thuram. This trend will be confirmed tonight at 8:30 PM Paris time during the traditional pre-match session.
Probable lineup for France against Colombia: Samba – Kalulu, Lacroix, L.Hernandez, Digne – Kanté, Camavinga – Kolo Muani, Cherki, Akliouche – M.Thuram.
Authors: Arthur Perrot, Florent Germain, and Jean-Louis Tourre in Washington.
