France can secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League on Thursday evening when they host Israel at Stade de France.

Les Bleus could book their place in the last eight regardless of their result on Thursday evening, with third-placed Belgium needing to beat table-toppers Italy to harbour any hopes of progressing. However, a victory against the side bottom of the standings would guarantee safe passage to the next round for Didier Deschamps’ side.

The 2022 World Cup finalists have won their last three games on the spin, one of which was a 4-1 win over Israel. Victories over Belgium and Italy have eased concerns after their Euro 2024 exit and subsequent defeat in their Nations League opener.

Of course, the big news regards Kylian Mbappe and his omission from November’s squad. The Real Madrid star is enduring a difficult period at club level and will not be given the opportunity to build confidence with the national team.

Violence against Israeli fans during last week’s Europa League clash between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv means there will be a significant police presence in Paris for Thursday’s Nations League fixture. Away supporters have been advised not to travel for the match amid growing fears over their safety.

Here is 90min’s guide to France vs Israel.

France vs Israel H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Mbappe’s absence from the squad is surprising given the Madrid man is fit to feature but Deschamps had no choice but to leave the injured Wesley Fofana and Aurelien Tchouameni behind. The Blancos midfielder is suspended for the Israel clash regardless.

Deschamps is unlikely to make too many alterations from the team that beat Israel last month, with Mbappe also missing that fixture. Randal Kolo Muani replaced him, while Michael Olise, Christopher Nkunku and Ousmane Dembele made up the remainder of the front four.

France predicted lineup vs Israel (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Kante, Camavinga; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Kolo Muani.

Israel have welcomed Manor Solomon back into their squad after he missed the reverse fixture due to a hamstring injury. The Leeds United loanee should return to the starting lineup, featuring alongside highly-rated RB Salzburg ace Oscar Gloukh.

However, manager Ran Ben Shimon is without goalkeeper Omri Glazer, with Bayern Munich’s Daniel Peretz likely to feature instead. Dor Turgeman has also withdrawn from the squad due to injury.

Israel predicted lineup vs France (3-4-2-1): Peretz; Dasa, Feingold, Nachimas; Abada, Gandelman, Abu Fani, Haziza; Solomon, Gloukh; Baribo.

There is no questioning France’s position as overwhelming favourites for Thursday’s Nations League encounter. Three victories in a row – one of which was a win over Israel – and the chance to qualify for the knockout stages will boost the hunger and determination among Les Bleus’ squad.

Israel have scored once in each of their four Nations League defeats and have the attacking quality to make life difficult for France on the counter-attack. However, even without Mbappe, Deschamps’ side should romp to a convincing win.

Prediction: France 3-1 Israel

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