International Friendly Preview: Belgium v France

France will look to halt a run of three straight defeats when they travel to the King Baudouin Stadium to face Belgium on Wednesday.

Didier Deschamps’ side have only won one of their last five games, and were on the receiving end of losses to Spain, Uruguay and Brazil in their previous three matches.

In order to try and reverse the team’s fortunes Deschamps has recalled Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri to the international squad for the match in Brussels.

The 26-year-old has not featured for the national team since Euro 2012, and served a three-match suspension after becoming embroiled in an argument with a journalist following the team’s quarter-final defeat to Spain.

Deschamps has also called upon 20-year-old Sevilla midfield Geoffrey Kondogbia who was part of the winning French squad at the Under-20 World Cup.

And there was also a surprise recall for defender Eric Abidal, who recently joined Ligue 1 new boys Monaco.

“He’s joined Monaco and he got through the pre-season quite well. I followed the warm-up matches, where he was very much at ease,” Deschamps said of the former Barcelona player.

“He has international experience, he’s been through several competitions. He’s played 61 times for France.

“In relation to that and the need for players with international experience, after discussing with him at length his state of mind regarding his selection, I took the decision to recall him.”

In contrast to France’s recent poor form, they face a Belgium side full of confidence having lost just three of their previous 28 matches.

Marc Wilmots’ side are on a five-match winning streak and will be confident of another victory in front of their home fans.

The 25-man squad contains 11 players who play in the Premier League, including Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen despite his struggle with injury during pre-season.

His Tottenham team-mates Nacer Chadli and Mousa Dembele are named in the squad, as are Chelsea trio Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku.