Lucas Hernandez and Ibrahima Konaté set to start as centre-backs for France against The Netherlands | OneFootball

L’Equipe reports Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté (24) and PSG defender Lucas Hernandez (27) are set to partner at the heart of France’s defense when Les Bleus take on The Netherlands at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena this Friday. A win will definitely seal France’s qualification for the Euro 2024. Les Bleus have been faultless in their qualifying campaign so far, lodging five wins in as many games.

Konaté and Lucas Hernandez have never played together as centre-backs for France. They played only one game together for Les Bleus: the 2022 World Cup group stage opener against Australia, during which the left-back suffered a season-ending ACL injury. France manager Didier Deschamps has to tweak his starting defense due to several injuries that marred France’s international camp. Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, Arsenal’s William Saliba, Barcelona’s Jules Koundé and Chelsea’s Axel Disasi have all pulled out of the France squad. Chelsea’s Malo Gusto and Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba have received their maiden call-up.

Logically, Lucas’ younger brother, Théo Hernandez, is set to start as left-back. Koundé’s injury means that Deschamps has to choose between Benjamin Pavard and Jonathan Clauss to play as a right-back. Given the Marseille man’s lack of experience at international level, the Inter Milan centre-back may get the nod from Deschamps to start at Amsterdam on the right side. L’Equipe understands that Pavard – a former Lille OSC youth product – might start as a centre-back for next Tuesday’s friendly game against Scotland at Lille’s Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval