Already assured of a place in the knockout rounds, France can lock down top spot in Group F - with the favourable draw that goes with it - with victory over Portugal in their final group-stage match in Budapest on Wednesday.
UEFA Euro 2020, Group F, Matchday 3
Ferenc Puskas Arena, Budapest
Portugal - France
- Kick-off at 19:00 GMT
If Kylian Mbappé & co. can beat Cristiano Ronaldo & co., they will top Group F and set themselves up for a round of 16 clash with either Ukraine or Switzerland in relatively nearby Bucarest. This best-case scenario is clearly preferable to playing England in London - the fate reserved for the group's second-placed side - or taking on Belgium or the Netherlands (in Seville or Budapest respectively) should they place third.
Thus Didier Deschamps men will be keen to continue their recent run of strong form over the Iberian side - Portugal have won just once in their last 13 meetings - and edge further ahead on the historical head-to-head record, which stands at 19 wins, two draw and just six defeats.
'A high-level match'
In any case, Deschamps knows it will be a tough encounter and that Les Bleus will have to earn whatever rewards they can garner from the result.
"The two confrontations we had in the Nations League, at the Stade de France [0-0] and in Lisbon [1-0 for France], will serve us - as they will serve Portugal," said Deschamps. "But it will be a different story tomorrow. In the analysis, of course, Portugal's strengths are the same and they know us too. It will be a high-level match any way you look at it."
The France boss is tipped to switch from the 4-3-3 used in the first matches in the tournament to the 4-2-3-1 that proved effective against Fernando Santos' side in the Nations League.
The change will likely see Adrien Rabiot replaced by Corentin Tolisso, who should line up on the right-hand side of the attacking midfield, while Jules Koundé is tipped to start at right-back following Benjamin Pavard's blow to the head in the match against Germany and knock against Hungary.
Probable teams
Portugal: Rui Patricio; Semedo, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; Pereira, Moutinho; Sanches, Fernandes, Jota; Ronaldo (c)
France: Lloris (c); Koundé, Varane, Kimpembe, Hernandez; Pogba, Kanté; Tolisso, Griezmann, Mbappé; Benzema
