Deschamps expects a fired-up Belgium in the Nations League clash

Didier Deschamps © Getty Images

France coach Didier Deschamps said on Sunday his side were preparing for a particularly intense encounter when they travel to face Belgium in their Nations League Group A2 clash on Monday.

The Belgians are aiming for their first competitive win against their neighbors in 43 years, having last defeated France in a World Cup qualifier in 1981.

Since then, Belgium have two wins over the French in friendlies, the last in 2015 when they won 4-3 at home.

The Belgians are three points behind group leaders Italy and two behind second-placed France at the halfway mark, with a top-two finish essential to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

A home defeat to France, coupled with Italy’s expected victory over Israel, could hardly destroy their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage with two rounds to play.

“We will have a motivated Belgian team, as always, but even more so on Monday. There is definitely a rivalry,” Deschamps told reporters on Sunday.

“We often face each other in competitions, but not so much in friendlies. We often meet in decisive matches. So there is a rivalry because we are neighbours, but no animosity and no bad blood because the players know each other.”

“I’m not convinced that our past victories give us a psychological advantage. It’s history … and the players aren’t the same either.”

Les Bleus thrashed Israel 4-1 in Budapest, while Belgium earned a 2-2 draw in Italy on Thursday after trailing by two goals inside 24 minutes.

Belgium are without midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and striker Romelu Lukaku for the game with France after they asked not to be considered for this international window.

France are missing talisman Kylian Mbappe, who faces criticism at home for not featuring in the games against Israel and Belgium while he was fit to play for Real Madrid.

Real Mbappe’s team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni will retain the France captaincy after taking the armband in his absence.