AC Milan forward Olivier Giroud is expected to start against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night, ahead of Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram and new Paris Saint-Germain signing Randal Kolo Muani.
Kolo Muani was a doubt for the Euro 2024 qualifier after PSG revealed that he had suffered a sprained ankle, meaning that he would have to wait until after the international break to make his debut for his new club. He is not expected to get the nod by Didier Deschamps, although he will be in the squad for the match, and will be an interesting option off the bench.
William Saliba is also expected to start in the absence of Ibrahima Konaté, whilst Jules Koundé is expected to get the nod ahead of Benjamin Pavard at right-back.
Likely France lineup v Ireland
Mike Maignan; Lucas Hernandez, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Jules Koundé; Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antoine Griezmann; Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembélé.
