Mark van Bommel fears missing a top duel with France without Mbappé

On Monday the Red Devils are ready for their next Nations‑League assignment: a home match against France. Mark van Bommel is aiming for a second consecutive win, but he warns that Les Bleus play at a higher level than Italy. Kylian Mbappé misses the match, something Van Bommel regrets.

Van Bommel emphasizes that the French squad, despite the absence of their star, is still stronger than the Azzurri. He believes Belgium will face a bigger challenge than in the previous match against Italy.

"Actually, I find it a pity," said the Dutchman on Sunday during his press conference, quoted. "You would like to play against the very best footballers. I would have liked to have him there."

Van Bommel exudes confidence for France after Italian debut

First match and Azzurri

In his debut the coach secured an impressive 0‑2 victory over Italy, although the Azzurri delivered a lackluster performance. This start gave the Red Devils confidence for the upcoming confrontation.

French options and Olise

Timothy Castagne believes that the absence of Mbappé will not fundamentally change the French style of play: "That does of course change something, without Mbappé, but they still retain many qualities. Doué, Barcola, Dembélé." Then Castagne does not yet mention the name of Michael Olise. The left foot of Bayern Munich, Olise, has scored four goals and provided two assists in four Bundesliga matches, and stands at eight goals and four assists in all competitions.

For the French it is a serious bloodletting, but the Belgians do not have to fear the superstar of our southern neighbours. Nevertheless Mbappé remains the attacking leader of France, and his absence leaves the team partially headless as they head to Brussels. The Belgium – France match takes place on 28 / 09 at 20:45.