Deschamps prefers Hernandez to Saliba in the center of defense for France

Indications have shown that France coach Didier Deschamps could use Lucas Hernandez rather than William Saliba at center-back when Les Bleus take on Ireland at Paris’ Parc des Princes.

France will host Ireland on Thursday in the qualifier for the Euro 2024, and Deschamps could put the Arsenal defender, who has been in top form, on the bench.

Many expected that the Arsenal man would be the favorite to replace the injured Ibrahima Konaté alongside Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano against the Boys in Green, but L’Equipe reported that Deschamps is considering the prospect of playing the versatile PSG defender as a center-back instead of the Saint-Etienne youth product.

Hernandez, who has been playing as a left-back for both club and country, was expected to play the same role against Ireland,  the post he held for Les Parisiens since the start of the Ligue 1 season. 

In a bid to unleash an all-attacking side on their visitors, is expected to start both Hernandez brothers as they expect Ireland to sit deep.

In the game, France have been tipped to whip Ireland, which will be without in-form Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.

Les Bleus aim to preserve their perfect start in Group B of Euro 2024 qualifying, while Ireland will seek revenge after suffering a slender 1-0 defeat in Dublin in the reverse fixture in March, courtesy of a stunning strike from Benjamin Pavard.

Since emerging runners-up in the last World Cup, France have responded with four straight wins in Euro 2024 qualifying.

Les Bleus are going into the clash with a 100% record in Euro 2024 qualifying, having picked up maximum points against Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, Gibraltar, and Greece, scoring nine goals and conceding no goal in the process.

France will also on September 12 face Germany in a friendly game at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park.

Written by Oladipupo Mojeed