France continued their World Cup preparations in convincing fashion with a 3-1 win over Italy in a friendly. Samuel Umtiti, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele scored for the Les Blues at the Allianz Riviera in Nice, with Leonardo Bonucci scoring for the Italians.
Despite possessing so much attacking quality, Didier Deschamps’ team still lack consistency, cohesiveness and most importantly, the defensive organisation to become a great team.
France will complete their World Cup preparations with a friendly against the United States in Lyon on June 9 and they start their World Cup adventure against Australia on June 16, before taking on Peru and Denmark.
Lets us have a look at the strongest France lineup Deschamps could field at the World Cup.
Strongest France XI for the World Cup
Manager: Didier Deschamps
Formation: 4-3-3
Hugo Lloris (GK)
Lloris is no doubt a very good goalkeeper but the France No.1 has the tendency to lose concentration and make errors that can be catastrophic.
Djibril Sidibe (RB)
An attacking right-back, Sidibe has had an injury-hit season with AS Monaco. He is included in the squad and should he recover fully before the mega event, he is a sure starter at right-back.
Raphael Varane (CB)
Solid and reliable with the ability to bring the ball out of the defence, Varane is one of the most important members for Deschamps. He needs to be at the top of his game if the Les Blues are to fly high in Russia.
Samuel Umtiti (CB)
One of the finest defenders in Europe, Umtiti should partner with Varane at the heart of the defence. Umtiti’s physicality and aggressiveness coupled with intelligent defending make him such a difficult player to get past.
Benjamin Mendy (LB)
Mendy missed almost the entire season for Manchester City due to ligament injury but is now back fit and could be raring to go in the World Cup.
N’Golo Kante (CDM)
The vital cog of France’s machine, Kante will be deployed in his usual role to dictate the tempo of the game with his passing abilities. The diminutive midfielder combines his energy with tenacity and covers a lot of ground for the team. A very important player for France.
Paul Pogba (LCM)
Too many unconvincing performances on big occasions have cast a doubt on Pogba’s ability to turn the tables. He needs to step up and raise his standards to help France achieve what they are looking for in Russia.
Corentin Tolisso (RCM)
Blaise Matuidi’s hot and cold season with Juventus could see Bayern Munich’s Corentin Tolisso get a regular berth in the national team. Tolisso’s work-rate and defensive abilities in the middle of the park would allow Pogba to play his natural game.
Ousmane Dembele (LW)
Dembele’s frightening pace and trickery could give the opposition defenders a run for their money. He has not played much for Barcelona but the 20-year-old continues to be an attacking weapon for Deschamps.
Kylian Mbappe (RW)
All eyes will be on Kylian Mbappe as there is an expectation to deliver despite the fact that he is still a teenager. Just like Dembele, Mbappe is another attacker capable of giving endless nightmares to defenders.
Antoine Griezmann (ST)
A lot will depend on Antoine Griezmann if France are to create headlines on Russian soil. Creative, pacey and industrious, the 27-year-old keeps the ability to win games on his own.
