France squad named as Les Bleus look to reclaim crown

France head coach Didier Deschamps has named his World Cup squad ahead of next month’s tournament as Les Bleus look to win their crown back from Argentina.

The European nation came close to defending the title in Qatar four years ago, but were pipped by Lionel Messi and Co in the final.

And their squad looks as strong as ever heading into the summer, and they boast one of the strongest attacks in football.

Kylian Mbappe will feature despite a fractured end to his season at Real Madrid, while Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele is set to play a leading role, alongside Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Desire Doue.

Michael Olise has been on fire for Bayern Munich as they chase a domestic Treble under Vincent Kompany, and he will be keen to make his mark in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Arsenal’s William Saliba will play a big role in defence, as he closes in on the Premier League title and a Champions League final against some of his international team-mates.

Deschamps explains squad decision

Deschamps had some tough calls to make, with France having such a plethora of talent available. He appears to have gone heavy in attack, with the likes of Eduardo Camavinga missing out as a result.

Speaking at the squad announcement on Thursday, he said: “The main criteria is sporting performance. I understand that Lucas Chevalier may be disappointed, but he hasn’t played for several months anymore. At the time when he could have had some playing time, he didn’t get any.”

“I have ambition, and I want the players to have it too. But I don’t want us to lose our humility. I’m not going to hide and say we’re not among the teams with the potential to become world champions.

“But there are eight, maybe 10 teams that can say that. It’s not by shouting: ‘We’re the best, we’re the strongest.’”

France squad in full

Goalkeepers: Maignan, Risser, Samba

Defenders: Digne, Gusto, Hernandez, Hernandez, Konate, Kounde, Lacroix, Saliba, Upamecano

Midfielders: Kante, Kone, Rabiot, Tchouameni, Zaire-Emery

Attackers: Akliouche, Barcola, Cherki, Dembele, Doue, Mateta, Mbappe, Olise, Thuram