France coach Didier Deschamps is preparing his side for their second Euro 2016 game against Albania on Wednesday, and he could be set to make big changes.
The hosts secured a 2-1 win over Romania in the opening game of the tournament last Friday, taking up top spot alongside Switzerland in Group A.
Despite many positives, the performances of Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann in particular attracted criticism, and it is believed that the duo could pay the price for their poor displays.
According to L’Equipe, Deschamps tested out the same 4-3-3 system in training on Monday night, but also tried out a 4-2-3-1 formation without Pogba and Griezmann.
Instead, Anthony Martial and Kingsley Coman were deployed on the wings, with Dimitri Payet a central playmaker behind the lone striker, Olivier Giroud.
On one hand, the move would make sense, particularly against Albania, with the additional movement, pace and goal threat likely to help Les Bleus break down their rivals who will undoubtedly set up to frustrate them for long periods and hit them on the counter attack.
N’Golo Kante and Blaise Matuidi would therefore be positioned in the deeper midfield roles to provide defensive coverage and presence in the middle, and on the whole, the system could work while affording two key men some time off to rest and recover after gruelling seasons.
Nevertheless, to make such drastic changes after one game and risk Pogba and Griezmann losing their rhythm and match sharpness is a risk that Deschamps could come back to regret.
France will be expected to win their next game and secure their spot in the knockout stage of the tournament, but moving forward, it’s up for debate as to whether it’s the right move.
Time will tell if it is, while it will also be a firm reminder to both Pogba and Griezmann that they are far from untouchable in this French team.