France have a new boss. In three weeks, Zinedine Zidane will take charge of the French national team for the first time since his appointment. And he plans to shake things up, especially in attack.

The clock is ticking: France face England in the semi-final at home on July 18, 2026, fresh off five straight wins - including a 2-0 victory over Morocco on July 9, 2026. For Walid Acherchour, the message is clear. “Zidane will change everything,” he says in his RMC Sport analysis.

Why is Zidane expected to reshape France’s attack?

The 1998 World Cup winner inherits a team riding high, but one whose frontline keeps raising questions. Critics cite a lack of creativity or rigid tactical setups. Zidane, though, favors freedom for his forwards. “He’ll break the mold,” Acherchour insists. His club CV - at Real Madrid, notably - proves he’s willing to rip up the script to find solutions.

France have been scoring freely lately, yet some games exposed gaps. Against Morocco, the attack lacked flow despite the win. Zidane must decide: lean on more technical profiles or stick with power? Names are already swirling - some players could be repositioned, others sidelined.

What system will France play under Zidane?

The former French playmaker isn’t one for rigid formations. At Real Madrid he switched between 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 as needed. His first test? Balance. A rock-solid defense paired with eye-catching offense.

Acherchour floats a possible shift to 3-5-2, with two mobile wingers stretching defenses. That could unlock Ousmane Dembélé or Kingsley Coman. Yet Zidane must also manage egos. “He can’t afford to alienate his starters,” the analyst notes.

England await in the semi-final, Zidane’s first real exam

On July 18, 2026, France meet England at the Stade de France. A high-stakes clash where every detail matters. Zidane won’t have months to tinker - just enough to stamp his mark on the attack.

England, 2022 finalists, rely on an organized backline and rapid counters. Against them, France must innovate without overreaching. The pressure is twofold: avoid disappointing the fans and prove Zidane can steer the side to another crown.

What if the die is cast as early as this match? The next training sessions will reveal whether the team has already absorbed the changes. One thing’s certain: France won’t play the same game anymore.

Last result: France 2-0 Morocco (July 9, 2026). Next up: France vs England (July 18, 2026, home).