France National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

M.Akliouche · R.Cherki · M.Lacroix · I.Konate · R.Risser · M.Gusto · T.Hernandez/L.Hernandez · M.Thuram · J-P.Mateta · N.Kante/Warren · B.Barcola/D.Doue

France looks to win the ball back high up the pitch and strike quickly using a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup relies on a high press and fast transitions to catch the opposition off guard. The team wants to control the central areas while using the wings to stretch the defence when they move forward.

R.Risser starts in goal to oversee the defensive line. The back unit operates as a back three with M.Lacroix, I.Konate, and N.Kante or Warren acting as the central defenders. These players focus on winning the header and clearing the lines during defensive phases. T.Hernandez or L.Hernandez and M.Gusto act as attacking wing backs who provide the width. The wing backs push high to support the attack while the central defenders hold a high line to squeeze the space and keep the team compact.

A three man midfield sits in front of the defence to control the middle. R.Cherki and M.Akliouche play as the central midfielders, where they look to recycle possession and link the back line to the forwards. B.Barcola or D.Doue plays as an attacking ten behind the two strikers to operate in the pockets. This player is tasked to press aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch and find the feet of the striker. The midfield unit works to win the second ball and prevent the opposition from playing through the lines.

The attacking force uses two forwards in a partnership to pressure the opposition back line. J-P.Mateta and M.Thuram operate as a strike duo, with M.Thuram often making runs in behind to exploit space. J-P.Mateta can hold up the ball to allow the attacking ten or the wing backs to join the play. The team builds attacks by using the wing backs to get to the byline and whip it in for the strikers. They often look to play one-two combinations to split the defence with a through ball.

France gains a massive advantage through the wide overloads provided by T.Hernandez or L.Hernandez and M.Gusto. This creates space for the central midfielders to move into the half-spaces. The ability to press high in coordinated waves allows the team to win it back high up the pitch and create chances quickly. Having two strikers also allows the team to pin the last defender and create chaos in the box.

This 5-3-2 formation is built for a side that wants to be lethal on the counter at pace. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defence.