Big Match Breakdown: France v Belgium

The move also saw Kevin De Bruyne pushed up from his deep-lying role to the left of a front three alongside Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku.

The plan worked to excellent effect, but Thomas Meunier’s suspension means at least one change must be made. Either Youri Tielemans or Carrasco could come in.

Didier Deschamps has options too, although it’s clear that France are far more balanced when Olivier Giroud is up top.

The France boss must choose who to play behind Giroud and alongside Antoine Griezmann and Mbappe. Blaise Matuidi, Corentin Tolisso and Ousmane Dembele are the options.

Tolisso started the quarter-final win over Uruguay, so perhaps that’s an indicator. Both sides are likely to be unchanged defensively.

Key Battles

This promises to be a fascinating encounter. France disposed of Lionel Messi and Argentina, while Belgium did likewise to Neymar and Brazil.

Vincent Kompany must ensure Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen don’t leave him exposed against Mbappe. The Paris Saint-Germain striker’s pace is a huge threat.

At the other end of the pitch, Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti must keep tabs on Hazard and Lukaku.

Both players have been devastatingly effective when coming in off the flanks, drawing defenders out of position and allowing team-mates to find space.

Then there’s the battle in the middle of the park. Can N’Golo Kante stop De Bruyne? And can Alex Witsel do likewise versus Paul Pogba?

Match Odds

The Coral traders are learning towards France, albeit not by much. Mbappe et al are 29/20 to win it in 90 minutes, with Lukaku’s side 19/10. A draw is 11/5.

There’s 8/11 for France to qualify for their third World Cup Final by any means, leaving Belgium as the Evens outsiders to play on Sunday in Moscow.

Everything suggests this could be a goalscoring thriller. Over 2.5 goals is 11/10, with over 3.5 14/5.

Griezmann and Lukaku share first goalscorer favouritism at 9/2. They’re ahead of Mbappe at 5s, Giroud at 6s and Hazard at 13/2.

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing