Belgium without De Bruyne and Tielemans for Nations League meeting with France

Belgium will be without captain Youri Tielemans and key midfielder Kevin De Bruyne for Monday’s UEFA Nations League match against France at the Stade de France.

Both players are suspended after receiving yellow cards in successive matches, depriving Belgium coach Mark van Bommel of two of his most experienced midfielders for the fixture.

De Bruyne was Belgium’s outstanding performer in Friday’s 3-0 win over Turkey in Liege. He scored twice before being booked late in the game after reacting to a foul.

Van Bommel said the Manchester City midfielder had not fully understood what the booking would mean.

“Kevin was simply frustrated and, in my opinion, didn’t even realise the consequences of the yellow card,” said Van Bommel.

The victory was Van Bommel’s second in his opening three matches in charge of Belgium, although he felt his side’s performance was below the standard required.

“We were very sloppy in possession,” he said.

“As a result, we gave the opponent the feeling that they could create chances. Before our second goal, we didn’t string 20 passes together.

“It was a ping-pong match. It went back and forth for a long time, without me ever feeling that we were going to lose.”

Van Bommel said Belgium needed to manage matches more effectively if they were to continue their progress.

“I think you saw an entertaining game. It’s just not something you like to see as a coach,” he added.

“Those things have to be eliminated. Then our level will improve and the opponent will have fewer opportunities to stay in the game.”

De Bruyne’s two-goal display was the main feature of the victory over Turkey, while substitute Romelu Lukaku also scored to reach 94 international goals.

Van Bommel praised the continued influence of the experienced pair, saying their contribution extended beyond their individual performances.

“It’s great what they are still doing for the national team. Not only for themselves, but also for the rest of the team,” he said.

“On a good day, they pull the others along with them.”

Belgium must now face France without either De Bruyne or Tielemans as they seek to build on Van Bommel’s positive start as coach.