Les Blues begin their new era under freshly-named captain Kylian Mbappe during France vs Netherlands in Euro 2024 qualifying on Friday night.
World Cup runners-up France will take to the field for the first time since their heart-breaking final loss to Argentina when they face the Netherlands in Paris on Friday.
Didier Deschamps' side could have hardly asked for more difficult opposition in their UEFA Euro 2024 qualification opener against the Oranje, who were eliminated by Argentina on penalties at the quarterfinal stage in Qatar.
With stars such as Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay in their lineup, the visitors could cause the opposition a lot of hassle here despite the fact that the bookmakers have made France clear favourites. Returning head coach Ronald Koeman will also be desperate to make a flying start to his second stint in charge.
Centre backs William Saliba and Wesley Fofana both withdrew from France's squad earlier this week, so Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano should deputise at the back.
The retirement of long-time skipper Lloris opens up the goalkeeping spot to AC Milan's Mike Maignan, who has five caps for France following his debut in 2020.
It's a more familiar attacking lineup for Les Bleus, with Mbappe expected to feature alongside Antoine Griezmann, Kingsley Coman and Olivier Giroud.
The Netherlands lost Frenkie de Jong to injury before a virus swept through the squad on the eve of the France game.
Cody Gakpo, Matthijs de Ligt, Sven Botman, Joey Vermeen and Bart Verbruggen have all left the group with what the KNVB described as a "viral infection", with manager Ronald Koeman calling up Kjell Scherpen, Stefan de Vrij and Ryan Gravenberch to bolster his squad.
Denzel Dumfries is in the squad but suspended for Friday night's clash.
In 28 head-to-head encounters between the two sides, France have won 14 games, lost 11 and drawn three. In 22 league starts for Paris Saint-Germain this season, French forward Kylian Mbappe has registered 22 goal contributions.
French attacker Marcus Thuram has 15 goal contributions in 22 league appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach this season.
Since joining Atletico Madrid in January, Dutch attacker Memphis Depay has three goals in three league starts.
Netherlands predicted lineup (4-3-3): Cillessen; Berghuis, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Wijnaldum, De Roon, Geertruida; Depay, Weghorst, Malen.
France predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Upamecano, Hernandez;
Tchouameni, Rabiot; Coman, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud.
Maignan; Kounde, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Depay, Weghorst, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud.
