France look to make it back-to-back wins against Hungary

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France will be expecting to make it two wins from two when they take on Hungary in Budapest.

Les Bleus kicked off their Euro 2020 campaign in the best way possible as they overcame a top-quality Germany side on matchday one in Munich.

Paul Pogba ran the show for France that day and Deschamps will be hoping the Manchester United midfielder can have a similar impact when they face Hungary in matchday two.

Against Germany, France managed to play to their strengths on the counter-attack, allowing Germany to control the ball before pressing in appropriate situations and winning the ball back before allowing Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann to open their legs in transition.

This will be a much different sort of game against Hungary however, as they will more likely see most of the ball with the Hungarians looking to keep themselves in the game for as long as possible.

That is what they nearly pulled off to perfection against Portugal. Hungary conceded in the 84th minute however, and would go onto lose 3-0, which really did not reflect the way the game had gone.

If France are going to make it two wins from two, they are going to have to be able to defeat the low block and be more creative when on the ball as Hungary will head and kick every ball like their lives depends on it.

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The creativity will primarily look to come from the likes of Antonie Griezmann and Paul Pogba but what may be crucial for France is the overlapping of the full backs. Hungary will sit in so creating an overload will be vital to creating goal-scoring chances.

This is how the goal against Germany came about with Lucas Hernandez creating an overload down the left and his cross being turned into the back of the net by Germany defender Mats Hummels.

Should Griezmann start on Saturday, this will be his 50th consecutive start for the national team and manager Deschamps had nothing but praise for the Barcelona forward.

“He beat a (starts) record. He is playing in consecutive games, wonderfully so for him. He may not be 20 anymore, but he takes very good care of himself.

“You can see the influence he has with the goals he scores and assists he makes. Then add to that the capacity he has to change the game, while getting back and doing his defensive duties. He is one of the greatest players of all time, both in Europe and worldwide.”

Team News

Deschamps doesn’t really have too many injury worries other than that of Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard who has been deemed to have recovered from his collision with Robin Gosens, Leo Dubois could replace the defender if he is not cleared to play.

Raphael Varane and Presnel Kimpembe are expected to partner up again at centre-back with the midfield three of Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Adrien Rabiot expected to start again.

Expected Lineup (RMC)

Lloris – Pavard, Varane, Kimpembe, Hernandez – Kanté – Pogba, Rabiot – Griezmann, Mbappé, Benzema.

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