By Jullian Sardana (@JullianSardana)
As the Socceroos’ first game looms closer, they will face the defending world champions France in the group stage once again on Wednesday morning.
France manager Didier Deschamps has been spoilt with a plethora of choices ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Kylian Mbappé headlining the French National team. Although the immense quality the French have at their disposal, they will be missing many notable big names such as reigning Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Christopher Nkunku, Presnel Kimpembe and key midfielder duo Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante through injury.
The last two Nations League games France have played in the lead up to the World Cup has seen them win 2-0 against Austria and lose 2-0 to Denmark, who are also in Group D with Australia and Tunisia.
Deschamps has utilised a back three in those two games which has seen Raphaël Varane and Dayot Upamecano in the middle of the back three and William Saliba and Jules Kounde on the right-hand side. Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile has been playing as the left-sided defender in the back three in both of these games but has been ommitted from the World Cup Squad. If France do decide to play in a back three Bayern Munich’s Lucas Hernandez may have to fill that void on the left hand-side.
Although those results may look worrying, France are still favourites not only to make it out of Group D but to potentially go back-to-back. However, it’ll take a real team effort in order to make it a real possibility.
Players to keep an eye on:
Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain, Forward)
The winner of Best Young Player in the 2018 World Cup has 24 goal contributions to his name, with 19 goals and 5 assists in all competitions this season for PSG. Mbappé is a very dangerous and skillful player being able to play all across the front three. He can also be a second striker if needed, especially when Deschamps reverts to a back three, where it saw him and Olivier Giroud paired together in their last two games. Mbappé will look to be the main source of attacking power in this World Cup without the assistance of Karim Benzema due to injury.
William Saliba (Arsenal, Defender)
Saliba has been a revelation this season for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as he has solidified their defence keeping eight clean sheets in all competiotions. It was not long ago that the former Saint-Étienne man seemed like he didn’t have a chance to break into the Arsenal first team, but this season he has proven he is a mainstay in Arteta’s system. Saliba did start in France’s 2-0 loss to Denmark in the Nations League where he was used as the right-hand sided centre back. If Deschamps wants to go back to his usual back four Saliba could be the one to be paired with the experienced Raphaël Varane.
Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid, Midfelder)
With both Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante missing the World Cup due to injury, there is a huge gap in the middle of the park that needs to be filled. One player that can help fill the void in midfield is Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni who has 18 appearances in all competitions this season after his big money move from AS Monaco. The former Bourdeaux man played the full 90 minutes in France’s last two games in the Nations League where he’s been paired with Real Madrid teammate Eduardo Camaving and Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana. Tchouaméni will hope to cement his place in midfield and as well make an impact throughout the course of the World Cup.
How will France line up?
Although Deschamps used a back three against Austria and Denmark, the back four will be more likely to be utilised against the Socceroos, as it has worked very well in the past. Either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 could be used against Australia, with Deschamps potentially being inclined to switch between the two formations during the game to keep teams on their toes and to gain somewhat of a tactical advantage.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Lloris; Pavard, Saliba, Varane, L Hernandez; Tchouameni, Fofana; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Image credit: Franck Fife AFP/Getty Images
