Netherlands team news leaks online before crucial Euro 2024 clash vs France; Ronald Koeman makes big call as 2 players miss out
The Netherlands will face Didier Deschamps' France in the marquee Euro 2024 Group D clash on Friday, June 21. The Dutch survived a scare in their first Euro 2024 clash against Poland as they came from behind to clinch a 2-1 win. Meanwhile, France edged past Austria courtesy of an own goal by defender Maximillian Wober in the 38th minute.
Now, just a few hours before kick-off, two huge team selection decisions made by Koeman have been 'leaked' on social media. According to AD.nl, Denzel Dumfries is expected to sit out for the all-important tie and will be replaced by Jeremie Frimpong in the right-back position.
Frimpong was one of the standouts for Bayer Leverkusen in their Bundesliga and DFB Pokal wins last season. The right-back scored 14 goals and created 12 more for Xavi Alonso's team in 47 appearances across competitions.
Secondly, Voetbal International reported that the Netherlands' boss will also replace Xavi Simons and play Georginio Wijnaldum in their Euro 2024 clash against France. The Al-Ettifaq midfielder's experience might be paramount in orchestrating the ball in the Dutch midfield and breaking the French attack lines.
The Group D clash will be extremely crucial and will likely seal the deal for the victor in terms of qualifying for the playoffs.
Kylian Mbappe starts on bench in Euro 2024 clash vs Netherlands
French talisman Kylian Mbappe was subbed off in the 90th minute of France's first match against Austria in Euro 2024. It came after a horrible collision with Kevin Danso left him with a bloody nose. Reports from the hospital stated that the Frenchman had suffered from a broken nose. Hence, the possibility of him playing France's next match against the Netherlands looked slim.
Kylian Mbappe will now start the Euro 2024 clash versus the Netherlands from the bench. Real Madrid teammate Aurelien Tchouameni will start in his place as Deschamps prefers an extra midfielder against the Dutch.
In the press conference ahead of the game, Didier Deschamps confirmed that Kylian's condition was getting better.
"I can confirm that Kylian Mbappe is feeling better and all is evolving well to see him tomorrow. It's moving in the right direction," revealed the French boss.
Meanwhile, teammate Antoine Griezmann had similar thoughts about the Mbappe situation.
"Kylian is doing very well. His nose is less swollen. We will see how he is doing until the end. His feeling will be the deciding factor," explained the Athletico Madrid player.
Since the broken nose fiasco, Mbappe has been spotted in the training session with a face mask in France's colors to protect his nose. However, he will have to get rid of that mask and wear one of a single color without any brand identification, according to UEFA regulations.