France are the 2018 World Cup champions. And, despite some setbacks, there’s is arguably one of the finest squads in this year’s tournament.
There is, however, a sense of intrigue about Didier Duchamp’s setup. There are noticeable changes to France’s tactics and starting line-up.
Just how valuable will they be in fantasy football and the World Cup? This is what we’re going to analyze today.
Fantasy football potential/Odds
Yes, most of France’s players are rated 4* and 5* in FootballCoin. It only makes sense. Many of these players were part of the World Cup-winning squad. Some of them went on to win other awards.
There are, however, some exciting 2* player worth monitoring.
Marcus Thuram earned a last-minute place in the Frenc squad. Karim Benzema’s recent injury could help Thuram’s chances of earning a spot in Deschamps’ squad.
Furthermore, Youssouf Fofana, Axel Disasi, and Randal Kolo Muani could make surprise appearances themselves.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Theo Hernandez are all stars that can be some of fantasy football fans’ most important picks.
Full squad & predicted line-up
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda
Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Axel Disasi, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Koundé, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane
Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana, Eduardo Camavinga, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout
Forwards: Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe, Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram
France’s predicted starting XI: Lloris – Pavard, Kounde, Varane, Upamecano – Theo Hernandez, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Griezmann – Giroud, Mbappe
Tactics and formations
Deschamps’ tactics were highly contested by French fans back in 2018. Arguably, however, they won Les Blues the trophy.
The defensive unity of the team, and a penchant for clean sheets at the expense of spectacular performances, became the norm.
With less success found in the subsequent years, Descamps has opted to tweak his approach.
France often starts in a 3-4-1-2 formation. This can easily be shifted to a 3-4-3. Mbappe leads the attacking line, although, this time, not in a partnership with Benzema.
Griezmann plays as an attack-minded central midfielder. Meanwhile, France employs two holding midfielders. This time it’s not N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, also out through injuries.
Key players
Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe is arguably the most influential French player of this generation. He has already won the World Cup as a teenager. With the eyes of the world upon him, this tournament could act to confirm his influence on world football.
Theo Hernandez – The two Hernandez brothers, Lucas and Theo, are two of the best wing backs in modern football. Theo, in particular, could give France a massive boost in securing width and attacking options.
