France predicted XI v Israel: Warren Zaïre-Emery to start and N’Golo Kanté to captain amid wholesale changes | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps is set to field a slightly experimental side with multiple key payers absent as France prepare to take on Israel in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday night.

Notably, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Aurélien Tchouaméni are all absent from the France squad, the latter two with injury. Ordinarily, all would start for Les Bleus. With no vice-captain, Mbappé’s absence, coupled with that of Tchouaméni, who wore the armband during the last international break, means that N’Golo Kanté will captain the side against Israel.

Warren Zaïre-Emery, who has played a peripheral role for Les Bleus since making his debut at the end of 2023, is set for a rare start in the midfield. Randal Kolo Muani, who is struggling for minutes at Paris Saint-Germain, will lead the line, whilst Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté is set to partner Dayot Upamecano in defence. William Saliba therefore drops to the bench.

France likely line-up v Israel

Mike Maignan; Théo Hernandez, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahmia Konaté, Jules Koundé; Eduardo Camavinga, N’Golo Kanté, Warren Zaïre-Emery; Bradley Barcola, Randal Kolo Muani, Michael Olise. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle