Zidane sacrifices Doué, France hopes for a Rennes surprise vs Belgium
Zinédine Zidane upset the predictions by selecting a surprise from Stade Rennais for France's away match in Belgium, with Esteban Lepaul named in the starting lineup at 20:45, while the young Désiré Doué had been tipped to replace the absent Kylian Mbappé.
A surprise from Stade Rennais
Désiré Doué had been announced as the leading candidate to succeed Kylian Mbappé, who is not playing in this match. The decision seemed final before the manager's intervention. Zinédine Zidane therefore appears to have revised the lineup at the last minute.
In its daily edition, L’Équipe reports that Esteban Lepaul, a young striker from Stade Rennais, should finally start AGAINST Belgium. This announcement overturns the established hierarchy and puts the Rennais in the spotlight. The Actu Ligue 1 tweet lists ESTEBAN LEPAUL as a starter.
The new offensive setup would place Doué on the right flank, while Bradley Barcola would occupy the left wing. Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise would be relegated to the bench, a sign of a different approach for the match against the Red Devils.
Zidane backs Doué false 9, Barcola and Camavinga kickoff vs Belgium
Zidane's tactical changes
Among the announced starters are also Lucas Da Cunha, Eduardo Camavinga, Pierre Kalulu, Jérémy Jacquet and Andy Diouf, forming a largely reshaped eleven. These choices reflect a desire to refresh the midfield and the defence.
On the Belgian side, the absence of the injured Mike Penders and Leandro Trossard does not seem to alter the lineup that won 2-0 in Italy on Friday. A possible replacement of left‑back Maxim De Cuyper by Joaquim Seys was mentioned, as was the inclusion of Dodi Lukebakio, a scorer in Rome. Belgium (BELGIUM) plans to play in a midfield or low block.
The selection of Esteban Lepaul would give Stade Rennais exceptional visibility, the young striker being thrust onto the international stage. For the French, it is a decisive test for the young Rennais and an opportunity to diversify their attacking options.
Zidane wants Cherki as France's offensive pivot
Unless there is a last‑minute reversal, the announced lineup will be in place from kickoff at 20:45, and French supporters will be able to witness the surprise prepared by Zidane.