Predicted XI

World Cup Qualifying: How France could line up against Ukraine

Didier Deschamps has a star-studded roster to choose from as Les Bleus begin the long defence of their World Cup crown

 
12:24pm on Tuesday 23rd March 2021
By
Martin Macdonald

France have no fresh injury concerns heading into the start of their World Cup Qualifying Group D match against Ukraine.

The players of Les Bleus met up this week following the squad announcement, and with no players suffering knocks in training he has a full star-studded roster to choose from for the opening match.

Hugo Lloris will start in goal, eager for the break away from the troubles at Tottenham no doubt, and he'll feature behind a back four that will likely consist of Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Clement Lenglent, and either Lucas Digne or Lucas Hernandez, probably the former.

After playing 4-4-2 in France's last game, Deschamps could revert back to a 4-3-3 due to the personnel he has at his disposal.

The midfield three could feature N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, and potentially Moussa Sissoko for the added drive going forward. However, Tanguy Ndombele and Adrien Rabiot are pushing for starts, too.

Deschamps has an embarrassment of riches in the forward positions, but will probably go with trusted lieutenants Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann, with star player Kylian Mbappe on the right of the three.

Ousmane Dembele and Thomas Lemar were brought back in to the France squad after previously missing out, so we could see them at some point too.

France predicted XI against Ukraine

FRA - Football tactics and formations

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