France manager Didier Deschamps has picked his latest squad for next month's Nations League fixtures – and it's a timely reminder of their strength in depth coming into the World Cup in Qatar.
The defending champions will be one of the favourites following last year's Nations League victory against Spain in October.
And with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema in the form of their life, Les Bleus certainly have a good chance of lifting the trophy once again. So how will they line-up?
Image credit: Alamy
Earlier this week, Deschamps made some controversial decisions when he unveiled his squad for their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Denmark, Croatia and Austria.
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That being said, there's still some serious strength in depth in that team, despite several big names missing out.
Here is the squad in full, as well as some of those who missed out:
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (Milan), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Alphonse Areola (West Ham)
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich), Théo Hernandez (Milan), Presnel Kimpembe (PSG), Jules Koundé (Sevilla), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Raphaël Varane (Manchester United), Jonathan Clauss (Lens), William Saliba (Marseille).
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Midfielder: N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea), Mattéo Guendouzi (Marseille), Boubacar Kamara (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Monaco)
Attackers: Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kylian Mbappé (PSG), Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen), Christopher Nkunku (Leipzig), Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich).
Possible selections for World Cup that didn't make latest squad: Dayot Upamecano [Bayern Munich], Ferland Mendy [Real Madrid], Eduardo Camavinga [PSG], Paul Pogba [Manchester United], Ousmane Dembele [Barcelona], Olivier Giroud [AC Milan] and Clement Lenglet [Barcelona].
France are one of the favourites to lift the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
To the surprise of many, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate was also left out of Les Bleus' latest squad.
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The 22-year-old defender has been a rock at the back for Jurgen Klopp's side this season and has yet to lose a game in 27 appearances for the Reds.
But it appears playing in a back four for the Champions League finalists has hampered his chances.
France boss Deschamps was asked about Konate's absence after releasing his latest squad. He said: "Yes, I’m following [Konate], he’s in a team which is competing in the Champions League final and for the title in England.
"But since he’s been at Liverpool, he’s mostly played in a four-man defence and there is competition [in the France team].
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"I brought William [Saliba] last time and he always plays in a back three. It’s either one or the other, it’s very competitive, and that’s very good. It allows for the veterans to not get too comfortable."
Brazil will also be one of the favourites to lift the World Cup later this year.
Tito's side, who went unbeaten in CONMEBOL qualifying and finished their campaign with 45 points, are set to take one of the best squads in international football to Qatar as they battle for world football's biggest prize.
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I mean, just take a look at this squad depth.
.webp)
Thoughts on France's squad coming into this year's World Cup? Do you think the latest squad is missing a certain someone?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: France, Football World Cup, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, Didier Deschamps