France have officially announced their squad for the 2022 World Cup, including plenty of names Didier Deschamps has used previously.
France will be looking to make history as only the third nation to win back-to-back World Cup titles when they fly out to Qatar to win the competition. Les Bleus are the current champions of the world, winning the last iteration of the tournament back in Russia in 2018.
A whole host of superstars lined their team, from Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann up front to Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante in midfield. In the four years since they won the trophy, there has been some change under Didier Deschamps, with the side underperforming in Euro 2020 after being knocked out by Switzerland on penalties in the round of 16.
It has put the former player turned manager under some pressure for the World Cup, where he will be without some of his key stars. Pogba, Kante and Wesley Fofana are all missing the tournament after picking up injuries in the lead up to proceedings, but the squad still remains strong with some new names from their last triumph.
France captain Hugo Lloris has kept his place in the side, despite his questionable club form for Tottenham, while Arsenal defender William Saliba earns a call-up after an impressive year. The 21-year-old earned a first cap in March, catching the eye while on loan at Marseille and continuing that form on his return to London.
“When you represent your country it’s amazing,” Saliba told Sky Sports earlier this season. “My dream is to play in the World Cup with my country and I hope I will be in the team for the World Cup.” Well it appears as though his dream is set to come true, but will he be able to lift the trophy at the end of the campaign.
With that said, here’s a look at the full squad the reigning champions have at their disposal for the upcoming World Cup.
Goalkeepers: Lloris, Maignan, Areola, Mandanda.
Defenders: Pavard, Kounde, Varane, Kimpembe, Saliba, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez, Konate, Upamecano.
Midfielders: Rabiot, Tchouameni, Y. Fofana, Guendouzi, Veretout, Camavinga
Forwards: Coman, Mbappe, Benzema, Giroud, Griezmann, O. Dembele, Nkunku