Attackers, the focus as we look at the strongest predicted starting 11 for France for FIFA World Cup 2022.
The 2018 World Cup champions, France are one of the favorites for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. But that does not mean their team is devoid of any weakness. It hasn’t been a smooth road for them since the last World Cup, and this makes their equation all the more interesting for football fans.
They have struggled with their form recently, and haven’t lived up to the reputation. In the recently held Nation’s Cup, they managed to win only one game out of their 6 matches. It’s just not about the results, but also about the quality of the game showcased by France as a team, and it’s heartbreaking, to say the least.
On top of that, France have injury concerns, and that has hit them pretty hard. With their best mid-fielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante already out of the squad, they can’t afford any injury to their mid-line. They were instrumental in their WC triumph last time around. The team also lost Presnel Kimpemb, who was recently ruled out of World Cup 2022 due to injury.
Nonetheless, they do have some strong players that can help defend the title. So, as we are nearing the start of the much-awaited FIFA World Cup 2022, let’s look at the strongest starting 11 for the Deschamp France side.
Strongest Predicted Starting 11 for France
Formation
Deschamp has multiple options in every position and there are like-to-like options in most of the cases. He would mostly stick to a 4-3-3 formation in the tournament looking at the absence of Kante and Pogba.
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris (C)
The captain of the side and undoubtedly their best player between the post. He has been consistent in his performance, and he has a lot to do looking at the current form of the defense line. He has the talent and experience to deliver on the big stage and Deschamp would require him to be at his best.
Defenders
Theo Hernandez (LB)
Deschamp would be needing a defender who can create chances from the back line and can support the front line during the attack. Theo provides that perfect option to the manager. Lucas Hernandez also provides a similar option at the LB position, but Theo could be preferred more.
Dayot Upamecano (CB)
Is it the time for one of the best young centre back in the world to prove his worth? The injury to Kimpembe can be a blessing in disguise for him. Upamenaco has great aerial abilities and skills with the ball. The defender has got been really good with man-marking and can be really useful against other world-class stickers. Deschamp has got other options as well in Saliba and Kounde.
Raphael Varane (CB)
The star defender for France over the years has not been completely fit in the recent times. He was thought to miss the flight to Qatar but medical reports showed that the injury isn’t that serious. Varane might be rested in the tournament opener, but is likely to take guard from the next game. He can manage the game from the back and his comeback would give enough confidence to Lloris as well.
Benjamin Pavard (RB)
Pavard is an obvious choice for Deschamp for the RB position. He is a strong pillar on the right side of the defense and can provide a good attacking link-up from the right wing.
Mid-Fielders
Aurelien Tchouameni (LM)
The young midfield for France has a lot to prove, but they don’t lack the talent to fill the shoes of the missing legends. Tchouameni has been impressive for Real and has the ability to help the defense and also assist the front line with his game.
Eduardo Camavinga (CM)
Looking at the Camavinga-Tchouameni duo who have been playing together for the same club for the while, Camavinga gives a very dependable option. Deschamp can use him well if he thinks to play the other two mid-fielders in a double pivot. It’s a most important position and Deschamp can’t afford any mistakes here.
Adrien Rabiot (RM)
Rabiot has a lot to prove in this WC. He is not been in his best form, and there are a couple of other players who are keen to get on the pitch. Youssouf Fofana is also a very balanced option for Deschamp for the Right-wing position. But Rabiot looks like a probable selection.
Attackers
Kylian Mbappe
The highest-paid athlete now in the world, Kylian Mbappe has a great responsibility on his shoulders in absence of Pogba and Kante. He turned the games around single-handedly in the last WC with his insane pace and skills. Football fans around the world would love to see him repeat his last WC performance.
Karim Benzema
The current Ballon D’or holder and a France legend would love to give his best shot in coming to WC. His goal-scoring ability and never give up attitude will be key to guiding the forward line and playing the pressing game. This is the best department for France and they want to capitalize on it the most with the amount of experience and talent they have.
Ousmane Dembele
The young attacking brigade of France is quite promising, and they have one of the best-attacking talents right now in the world. The Barca attacker had a few injury issues last year which has kept him out of the game, but every time he has stepped on the pitch, he has delivered his best. Dembele will be a key asset for France both in making moves and scoring goals.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Strongest Predicted Starting 11 for France
GK: Hugo Lloris
Defenders: Theo Hernandez (LB), Dayot Upamecano (CB), Raphael Varane (CB)
& Benjamin Pavard (RB)
Mid-field: Aurelien Tchouameni (LM), Eduardo Camavinga (CM) & Adrien Rabiot (RM)
Attackers: Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema & Ousmane Dembele
Thanks for reading! What’s your starting 11 for France for FIFA World Cup 2022? Please email your thoughts to footbalyticsofficial@gmail.com
ALSO READ: Exclusive: FIFA World Cup 2022 Official Schedule – Download Now
Himanshu is an author at Footbalytics. He is a sports freak and Football is his first love. He is a National level football player himself. With the world full of Messi’s, Ronaldo’s and Gerrard’s fans, he is a die hard fan of Iker Casillas.
Though he is a Sales Manager by profession, he would never miss playing football with his mates.