The absence of Theo Hernandez presents a significant tactical challenge for France as they prepare to face Croatia. Known for his aggressive overlapping runs and ability to provide width, Hernandez’s role within the squad is pivotal. Without him, France may need to reconsider their formation, potentially shifting to a more conservative lineup with an emphasis on defensive stability. Options like Lucas Digne or Clément Lenglet could be called upon, however, they differ in style; Digne may offer a more balanced approach while Lenglet could restrict forward movement, affecting the overall fluidity of France’s play.

Moreover, the lack of Hernandez will likely prompt manager Didier Deschamps to reassess his match strategy. With Hernandez’s dynamic play from the left flank absent, France may pivot to a more central attacking focus, leveraging players like Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé to exploit gaps in Croatia’s defense. This shift could also lead to increased reliance on midfield creativity and playmaking. Coaches often make tactical adjustments based on player availability, and in this instance, Deschamps may choose to employ a more compact structure, aiming to maintain defensive solidity while launching counter-attacks through speed and precision.