Didier Deschamps has announced his final squad as France prepare to defend their title in Qatar.
Champion France and 2022 World Cup coach Didier Deschamps hopes his army will become the third nation to win back-to-back titles, after Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962). It is his 16th appearance at the World Cup, winning twice (1998, 2018).
Can Qatar win a third gold medal? To do so, they must first successfully beat Australia, Denmark and Tunisia in Group D to advance to the knockout stages.
Now let’s take a look at Real Madrid’s 26 players, including two bright young midfielders.
sTRONGEST sQUAD OF FRANCE:
Lloris should be the preferred option on target.
Defensively, Deschamps made a last-minute pick to return to the top four. That means Varane and Lucas Hernandez can start, followed by Pavard and Theo Hernandez.
Chuameni should start in midfield alongside Camavinga and Rabio. Up front, Giroud and Benzema can work in goal to form an attacking trio with Griezmann.
Goalkeeper:
- Hugo Lloris
Defenders:
- Pavard
- Varane
- L. Hernandez
- T. Hernandez
Midefielder:
- Tchouameni
- Camavinga
- Rabiot
Forwards:
- Griezmann
- Mbappe
- Giroud
There are always players who are expected to play but have to miss a match due to tactical reasons, injuries or other unforeseen circumstances, and the 2022 World Cup is no different.
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante suffered a thigh injury in the 0-0 draw with Tottenham and will be ruled out after surgery. Meanwhile, Juventus striker Paul Pogba missed a time trial with a hip injury just days after returning to team training with a knee injury.