France would be the reigning world champions, with deep reserves of expertise to name upon in Qatar, however their performances in 2022 have revealed some vulnerability. After an unbeaten 2021 which culminated in a Nations League ultimate victory over Spain, their newest Nations League marketing campaign was underwhelming, successful just one sport of six in a comparatively light group containing Croatia, Austria and Denmark.
Denmark and France now meet once more in Group D of this World Cup, a bunch which additionally options Australia and Tunisia. It is one France ought to win, however they may have a goal on their backs and there are pitfalls: the Danes can have no worry after their spectacular 2-0 win over the French in Copenhagen final month, whereas Australia and Tunisia squeezed by play-off matches and can really feel they’ve a free swing at this match with nothing to lose.
The French group has advanced from the aspect that lifted the trophy in Moscow 4 years in the past, and there are actually query marks over a few of these 2018 stalwarts. N’Golo Kante has been dominated out and Raphael Varane is struggling for health, whereas Paul Pogba has undergone knee surgical procedure and his look in Qatar is uncertain. Hugo Lloris stays the captain however, on kind, his place needs to be beneath menace from Milan’s Mike Maignan (although Maignan is in a health race to make the World Cup).
The large problem for Didier Deschamps is discovering the suitable steadiness between hardened World Cup winners and contemporary blood. The younger Real Madrid duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni began collectively within the current defeat by Denmark, and Deschamps should resolve whether or not to maintain religion or flip to extra expertise – he has hinted on the latter. “It’s a young French side,” the supervisor commented after the sport, “where the majority of players don’t have experience at the very highest level … there’s no need to worry, having the players with international experience back will do us good.”
Deschamps has been experimenting with a again three which has utilised his array of centre-back choices: younger defenders like Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba would stroll into most worldwide groups however are battling for gametime with skilled world champions Presnel Kimpembe and Varane, whereas different proficient centre-halves like Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile may miss out on the squad altogther. The back-three experiment hasn’t been completely profitable and there stays doubt over precisely how France will arrange, and what their finest group is correct now.
The solely certainty is that the French group can be constructed round their celebrity ahead, Mbappe. If Deschamps can put in place the suitable blocks to assist him, France can have an opportunity of defending their crown Qatar.
Here is every thing you might want to know:
Group fixtures (all instances GMT)
Tuesday 22 November: France vs Australia – 19:00
Saturday 26 November: France vs Denmark – 16:00
Wednesday 30 November: Tunisia vs France – 15:00
Predicted squad
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (c) (Tottenham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Alphonse Areola (West Ham)
Defenders: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Raphael Varane (Manchester United), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Benoit Badiashile (Monaco), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Jordan Veretout (Marseille)
Forwards: Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Randal Kolo Muani (Frankfurt), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan)
Ones to observe
Star – Kylian Mbappe: Mbappe was a younger, thrilling livewire within the French group 4 years in the past however now he’s the undisputed star. If Deschamps can discover the correct mix of gamers round him – Mbappe has been broadly reported as preferring to play off a No9 like Karim Benzema or Olivier Giroud than to be the point of interest himself – then his expertise will do the remainder.
Breakout expertise – Aurelien Tchouameni: It is difficult to name somebody purchased by Real Madrid for €80m a possible ‘breakout talent’ – he has already very a lot damaged out at membership stage – however Tchouameni is definitely an impressive younger participant who can present his strengths to the world in his first World Cup. Tchouameni has the same profile to the injured Kante with a nack for interceptions, tackles and being in the suitable place, and he may properly be referred to as upon to fill Kante’s footwear. The 22-year-old has been in and across the French group for a few years now and can be trusted by Deschamps to carry out when the chance arises.
Odds to win the World Cup (taken from Betfair)
11/2 (second favourites behind Brazil)
Prediction
France can win this World Cup if every thing clicks, and they’re going to absolutely go deep into the knockout rounds. It is a squad bursting with high quality that can be too good for many. But outcomes over the previous 12 months present they aren’t fairly the power they have been, and Deschamps’ tinkering of techniques and personnel suggests he’s nonetheless looking for the suitable method for this evolving French aspect. Expect them to fall simply wanting retaining their crown. Knocked out within the semi-finals.
Source: www.unbiased.co.uk