World Soccer Team Profile - France
The Champs look hungry for more...but the Curse of the Holders looms.
These World Cup Champions look stronger than ever and boast a pair of strikers who may be in the best form of their lives and are hungry for more glory. They do not look likely to succumb to the “Curse of the Holders”, but it must be on the back of the player’s minds. Since 2002, only once have the current World Cup holders made it out of the group stage, and that team, Brazil, the only claimant to the title Back to Back World Cup Champions, winning in ‘58 and ‘62, lost in the quarterfinals, to France and a resurgent Zidane, in 2006. Italy drew twice and lost in the Group Stage of 2010 , Spain lost their first match 5-1 to the Dutch, whom they beat in the 2010 final, and then lost to Chile in their second match in 2014 and Germany in 2018 also lost their opening match to Mexico on the way to an ignominious exit with a stunning defeat against South Korea in the third match. The French themselves were victims of this curse in 2002, when they lost their opener to Senegal, the lone goal swept in by Pape Bouba Diop, drew with Uruguay and lost to Denmark. The fact they are drawn with Denmark again in the Group Stage this time must make it seem like history repeating itself, having drawn the Danes in 2018, although then they met in the third match with both already qualified. This time the French meet the Danes in the second game and will need to be wary of a very good team inspired by the resurrected Christian Ericksen, back from the dead and the symbol of unity for a team on the rise. Tunisia await in the third match, another former colony of Africa, like Senegal in 02, and Peru could stand in for Uruguay. Portents and signs aside, France are bringing a collection of talent that can overwhelm any other team in the world and only a monumental self-destruct could derail this team from getting out of the group stage and into at least the quarterfinals.
It will take some powerful curse to stop this team. The usual front three are the most dangerous attacking trio in World Football, the crafty Antoinne Griezmann making arrows for the deadly Kerem Benzema and Kylian Mbappe, the young lion, prowling the periphery waiting to pounce. However with Griezmann on the bench at Atletico Madrid, and Benzema wanting to drop deep to receive the ball, the front three may have a different look this time. The imperious Paul Pogba had crowned himself emperor of the midfield, enabled by the pygmy warrior Ngolo Kante, but the form of Andre Rabiot at PSG and the emergence of Aurelien Tchouameni at Monaco and Matteo Guendouzi at Marseille this season mean the regal couple may be left on the bench, reflecting on their inability to close out the match against the Swiss at the last Euros. Kingsley Coman has been used as a super sub in the past, introducing his long limbed fluency in attack when in need of a goal, but it may be time for him to start regularly, given his effectiveness at Bayern Munich. Christopher Nkunku is the next powerful and skilled product of the line, shaped by his time at RB Leipzig to become one of the top young talents in the Bundesliga, and will likely be an option off the bench alongside long serving Olivier Giroud, who excels at holding the ball up and giving the team a reference point in attack, even if not scoring.
The back line pushes forward to overlap with Pavard on the right and Theo Hernandez on the left. Older brother Lucas Hernandez steadies Raphael Varane in the center, although the partnership with Dayot Upamecano, his clubmate at Bayern Munich, may be preferred given Varane’s patchy form at Manchester United this season. The competition for places is so intense that the stalwart and elegant center back from PSG, Presnel Kimpbempe, who would start in most other national teams, will watch from the bench. Jonathan Clauss of Lens was introduced in recent friendlies as an option to give width to the midfield, enabling a 3-4-3 formation, and he may be kept in the squad to offer that tactical flexibility. Hugo Lloris is captain and keeper, his deputy Mike Maignan of AC Milan more than capable of stepping in if needed.
Starting XI in a 4-3-3 although they have been playing a 3-4-1-2 formation recently
GK-Hugo Lloris The keeper captain is a legend at Tottenham now in his tenth season with Spurs and playing better as every year passes. Under the regime of Antonio Conte he is more involved in distribution and has perfected a calm authority when playing out from the back. Excellent shot stopper with cat like reflexes, has cut down on the mistakes that used to happen.
LB - Theo Hernandez A stalwart with AC Milan, has worn the captain’s armband this season and extended his contract with the Rossoneri. May be arguably the best leftback they’ve had since Paolo Maldini. Attacks with speed and has a powerful shot, which he used to score the winner against Belgium in the Nations League Semifnals, his debut for L'Equipe National.
CB - Lucas Hernandez The older brother of Theo, was born in Marseille where his Spanish father was a professional footballer. Made his debut in the 2018 World Cup as a left back and has since moved to a center back role with club and country, playing on the left of a back three for Bayern Munich after David Alaba vacated that position. Passes well out of the back but there are concerns about his ability to defend, especially against forwards with pace.
CB - Raphael Varane Has been a fixture in the French back line since World Cup 2014, when he was voted young player of the tournament, but he may not be able to hold his place given the indifferent form showed at Manchester United this season. He has lost a step since his heyday at Real Madrid and mistakes have multiplied this year in the Premier League so confidence will be an issue. Still blamed for letting Hummels score in the 2014 Quarterfinal.
RB - Benjamin Pavard The revelation of the 2018 Championship squad, he burst into world consciousness after scoring the goal of the tournament against Argentina in the Round of 16. That sweet volley was a bolt out of the blue and he has only scored once since in the national team colors. Plays on the right side of a back three with Bayern Munich and acquits himself well, although not likely to break forward for another belter anytime soon.
LM - Adrien Rabiot Plays as the “Mezzella” with Juventus, a left footer who gets forward to join the attack and uses his size and strength to hold the midfield together. Held himself out of the 2018 World Cup squad after not being named as a starter but has since made up with Deschamps and is a vital contributor. If the formation does switch to three at the back, he will tuck in and allow Theo to overlap, a situation that may suit him better in terms of tactics.
CM - Ngolo Kante The tireless ball winner came to attention during the miraculous run of Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2016 and then starring for Les Bleus run to the Euro final, although he didn’t play in the final match loss to Portugal. Since moving to Chelsea he has taken on a more advanced role at times but remains the defensive conscience. Managers around the world have heaped praise on him, suggesting he should be a Ballon d’Or candidate.
RM - Paul Pogba Once an explosive and exciting talent that has lit up the big stage for France since 2014, Pogba is now an uncertain and awkward shell of himself at club level. He has been whistled off the field and targeted as a scapegoat at Manchester United this season and seems to be damaged by the abuse. He has always been a much better player for France and was a key player in the 2018 World Cup, scoring a goal in the final and finding an ideal fit as the orchestrator and attacker, linking the hard work of Kante with the more creative Griezmann. If he falters in form, Deschamps will have plenty of options to reshape the midfield, but if he can recapture Pogba at his best, France will have a powerful force restored to them.
AM Antoinne Griezmann The skillful creator who links with the strikers and creates opportunity with sublime flicks and clever balls, Griezmann is one of the world’s best link up men. He became an international star at Euro 2016, scoring 6 goals and being named the player of the tournament, catching the eye of endorsement opportunities with his trademark celebrations. His performance four years ago solidified his status as one of the best ever French playmakers, however since then his career was derailed after a move to Barcelona from the Atletico Madrid side who nurtured him into a global talent. Now back at Atletico on loan he has not been an automatic starter this season and lacks match sharpness. Unlike Pogba and Kante, there are no like for like replacements for “Grizy” in the squad and if he is not performing Deschamps may have to change formation and attack through a more wide position in order to make goals.
CF- Kylian Mbappe The Golden Boy, Mbappe became only the second teenager after Brazilian legend Pele to score in a World Cup Final when he netted against Croatia four years ago. He burst on to the scene with Monaco at just 16, scoring spectacular goals that combined breakneck pace with cool finishing and continues to go from strength to strength. Now at PSG, he is already the second highest goal scorer in club history but seems determined to continue his career at Real Madrid next year, a situation that could refine his already telepathic chemistry with future clubmate Karim Benzema, with whom he has developed a complimentary understanding.
CF- Karim Benzema Left out of the World Cup winning squad four years ago, Benzema looks hungry and motivated to take France back to the winner’s podium and share in the success this time. His form at Real Madrid has him in the conversation for world’s best #9 and he seems to score in every game for his country. He is a clinical finisher, able to slide the ball into the slightest of cracks or overpower defenders with mighty headers. His ability to hold the ball up and bring in his strike partners is an underrated aspect of his game.
Substitutes:
GK - Mike Maignan Now first choice at AC Milan, the former Lille keeper backstopped Les Dogues to the French championship last season. He has the size and commanding presence for an ideal goalkeeper and has been one of the best in Serie A this year.
LB Lucas Digne Now at Aston Villa, the former Everton fullback suffered an injury in the Euros that, combined with the injury to Theo in the same game, forced an experimental 3 man backline in the loss against Switzerland. He was named player of the year his first season at Everton, but has since seen a decline in form due to injuries. Was on the reserve squad four years ago, may be needed off the bench in this tournament to ensure tactical flexibility.
CB Presnel Kimpembe A reserve player for France in 2018, he started every match in the last Euros and the belief was that the time has come for him to become a first choice starter. He is an elegant and tidy defender, using his speed and anticipation to break up plays, and has become more comfortable on the ball and enabling PSG to play out from the back.
CB Dayot Upamecano A powerfully built center back who models his game on Sergio Ramos, he forms an all France 3 man back line at Bayern Munich. May be ready to step into the starter’s position for this World Cup and his familiarity with Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard may factor heavily into that decision. More physically imposing than his competition and has a more regular goal scoring record, but also more likely to make mistakes in reading the game.
RB Jonathan Clauss Was named to the Ligue 1 team of the year after signing with Lens from Arminia Bielefeld in the German 2nd level and rewarded with a start on the right side of an experimental 3-4-1-2 formation in recent friendlies. An unexpected cap at the age of 29, his story is one that looks likely to continue as an option to allow changes to the formation.
CM - Aurelian Tchouameni A rising star with Monaco, has become a legitimate midfield holder option for Deschamps despite his tender age. He stands as tall as Pogba and has similar mobility and creativity assets but with more steel in the tackle and more bite to his game.
CM- Matteo Guendouzi On loan from Arsenal, has had the best season of his career at Marseille this season and gained notoriety when he clashed with fans who had invaded the pitch in a match away to Nice. He battles hard in the middle and may be needed to support the ball winning platform. Has added goal scoring to his repertoire this season.
LM -Eduardo Camavinga Has broken through at Real Madrid this season at the age of 19, trusted by manager Carlo Ancelotti to add dynamism to his midfield in key situations. Made his France debut at 17 and scored with a spectacular overhead kick in just his second match for Les Bleus.
RM - Kingsley Coman “Coman the Bavarian” is a fan favorite at Bayern Munich, bringing excitement to the crowd with his breathless pace and fearlessness in running at defenders. Can play either wing or through the middle and will be needed to break up stubborn defenses and inject some spark in the team, a feature the team missed four years ago when he was injured.
F-Christopher Nkunku Already at 17 goals in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig this season, this fast and powerful striker has been a revelation since moving from the PSG academy. Has scored 7 times in 6 Champions League games and will be one of the hot properties in Europe this coming transfer season.
F Olivier Giroud The veteran target man has an incredible track record of scoring for les Bleus, only five goals behind Thierry Henry in the all time national records. He failed to bust the net at the 2018 World Cup but his holdup play was instrumental and he will be counted on as a super sub. He may have lost his starting job to Benzema but he is a presence in the dressing room and his ability to inject power, strength in the air and clever link up play will be called upon.