Didier Deschamps, France's head coach, will try out a new formation against Belgium.

According to a report published by L'Equipe on Saturday, France head coach Didier Deschamps is considering deploying a different formation for Les Bleus' upcoming RO16 match against Belgium. Following an uninspiring group stage that included back-to-back draws against the Netherlands (0-0) and Poland (1-1), France has been paired with Domenico Tedesco's Diables Rouges in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final. France and Belgium will play this Monday at 6 p.m. CET in Düsseldorf.

According to the publication, Didier Deschamps spoke with his squad the best method to play against Belgium. France is set to deploy a tried-and-true 4-4-2 system, which was the preferred shape in France's two previous World Cup final appearances. In the group stage against the Netherlands, France's head coach used a 4-4-2 formation, with Juventus' Adrien Rabiot playing as a left-sided midfielder to give defensive stability. The experiment proved inconclusive.

However, Didier Deschamps is allegedly considering utilizing a diamond midfield with Antoine Griezmann, who was benched against Poland, playing a more forward role. Kylian Mbappé would be teamed up front with Inter's Marcus Thuram. N'Golo Kanté would play as a six, with Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni serving as central midfielders

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