England vs. France: Predicted Starting Lineup For The French
Just days after the horrific attack in France, England are set to host the French national team for a friendly game that will have a lot of emotion and rightly so in the backdrop. Lassana Diara, who played in France’s 2-0 win over Germany on that fateful day, could be one of the players who doesn’t feature in this friendly as he lost a family member in the attacks.
The English fans have been asked to join in the singing of the French national anthem as a mark of solidarity and with both teams preparing for their part in the upcoming Euros, this game could hold a lot of what the two teams can offer in the finals in 2016. We look ahead to this emotionally charged friendly and predict the starting lineup for the French.
Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris is the best goalkeeper for France at the moment and even though there is stiff competition from Steve Mandanda, the Spurs goalkeeper should keep his place in the starting XI.
Bacary Sagna
The Manchester City defender should continue in his role down the right side for France against England after having impressed against Germany a few nights ago.
Eliaquim Mangala
Mangala didn’t have the greatest of starts to his Manchester City career but he has progressed and gotten better as the seasons have gone by. Mangala could well be a player who starts this friendly against England after missing out in the last game.
Laurent Koscielny
The Arsenal defender could well be the best centre-back at Arsenal and he certainly is trying to make a similar case for his national team. Koscielny did well to keep Germany at bay and could do something similar against England as well.
Lucas Digne
The on-loan defender from PSG, Digne could well be the answer to Patrice Evra. The Roma – PSG left-back certainly can go on to emulate the great things that Evra has done and should get a go in this game.
Morgan Schneiderlin
The Manchester United midfield didn’t start the game against Germany but should get into this starting XI especially since he would be playing against many players from the Premier League.
Yohan Cabaye
The tough man from Crystal Palace might not be a first choice at the moment but his ability on the ball surely merits him a go in this friendly against England, with him knowing most of the players out there.
Hatem Ben Arfa
Far away from the cold nights in England, Hatem Ben Arfa has rekindled his footballing career at Nice and could well be given a starting place in this friendly.
Paul Pogba
The midfield engine for France, Pogba might not be having the greatest season for Juventus but his performances for France haven’t been the worst. Another game in the starting XI could well provide him the boost he needs for the club more than country.
Anthony Martial
The young Manchester United attacker was at it again, this time providing a sumptuous ball for Giroud to score the first goal. Martial has shown that he can lead the line and his performances just keep on getting better.
Andre – Pierre Gignac
The striker came on for Olivier Giroud and made an instant impact with a goal. The former Marseille striker might have moved to Mexico, but he still is as lethal as ever and could be given a chance by Didier Deschamps to prove if he is better than Giroud (who is expected to start from the bench).
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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