France vs Wales
France and Wales kick off their Euro 2020 preparations as they’ll engage in an International Friendly this Wednesday.
Les Bleus come in as one of the favorites for Euro 2020 after a solid outing in the qualifiers since they finished on top of their group – winning eight out of their 10 matches.
On the other hand, the Red Dragons also qualified since they finished second in their group despite having a mixed record and this will mark the second time ever that they’ll be in the European showcase.
Both national clubs have recognisable names that are sure to create memorable International Friendly 2021 highlights and we expect nothing less.
This will be the perfect time for France and Wales to integrate their newer call-ups as the former re-introduces a familiar face, while the latter has some young pieces that they can build on.
Read on below as SBOTOP provides you the latest in this match preview.
Talking Points
Karim Benzema-Kylian Mbappe combo should be fun for France
If ever Kylian Mbappe plans to go to Real Madrid anytime soon, then now is the perfect time to audition with Karim Benzema getting a front row seat.
Benzema was pleased upon his call-up with Les Bleus after a long hiatus, and he also heaped huge praise for his national teammate Mbappe in the process.
The veteran striker said recently that Mbappe is welcome in Madrid and he has “all the qualities” needed to succeed if ever he chooses to move to Bernabeu.
Mbappe’s contract with PSG is due to expire next summer and there are speculations that the Euro 2020 Golden Boot contender is looking for a new challenge next season.
Furthermore, there’s a good chance that Didier Deschamps will combine his two strikers to lead their front against Wales this Wednesday.
But even if he chooses not to, Les Bleus remain in prime position to win since they have a bounty of gifted players in all positions.
Should Kylian Mbappe or Karim Benzema not feature, there’s still Antoine Griezmann, Wissam Ben Yedder, and Ousmane Dembele who can pick up the scoring slack.
Lille title-winner Mike Maignan should make his debut as their goalkeeper, while the same can be said for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.
Moussa Sissoko, Adrien Rabiot, Thomas Lemar, Lucas Digne, Clement Lenglet, and Leo Dubois are all expected to feature in the starting XI as well.
Young Wales players look to get their feet wet
Development will be the main priority for Robert Page since he’s likely to field in young players into the fold.
Neco Williams, Ethan Ampadu, and Chris Mepham are to contend for positions at the starting backline while the young Kieffer Moore might be inserted alongside Gareth Bale and Harry Wilson out front.
Cardiff City teenager Rubin Colwill has been called up and he’ll look to get his first international cap, while young midfielders Dylan Levitt and Daniel James will be representing Manchester United.
With Ryan Giggs preparing for his upcoming trial following assault allegations, Robert Page will try his best to emulate their success back in Euro 2016.
Wales punched above their weight and reached to as far as the semis only to be eliminated by eventual winners Portugal, so there is major promise there.
But for them to live up to the hype, Wales need to get their act together since they were shaky in the qualifiers.
Facing France is far from ideal, but this should serve as a good gauge to how strong their squad is currently constructed.
History
France and Wales have only played in five matches against each other so far.
Les Bleus own the upper hand in the head-to-heads with three victories, whereas the Red Dragons have only won once along with one draw.
France were winners in their most recent encounter back in 2017 with the game ending in a 2-0 score as Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann had one goal apiece.
Wales’ only win came in an International Friendly back in 1982.
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