ESPN football reporter Julien Laurens has revealed France’s likely starting lineup in their World Cup opener against the Socceroos on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
Didier Deschamps’ side had been ravaged by injuries in the lead-up to Qatar, with crucial midfield duo N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba being ruled out.
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Things didn’t get much better upon Les Bleus’ arrival for the World Cup, with Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and forward Christopher Nkunku both ruled out for the tournament.
Yet the French still boast plenty of talent across the park that the Socceroos must find ways to repel throughout the 90 minutes.
According to Laurens, Deschamps is likely to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation against the Aussies and will give AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud the starting nod up front, with Kylian Mbappe set to operate on the wing.
In fact, of the 11 players that started France’s match against Australia at the 2018 World Cup, six players will reprise their roles.
Potential lineup: Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe; Olivier Giroud
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ARNIE’S CHEEKY RESPONSE TO FRANCE’S BRUTAL SNUB
France’s lack of knowledge about the Socceroos has been laughed off by coach Graham Arnold, who responded with a classic one-liner ahead of their World Cup showdown on Wednesday (AEDT).
France’s players have been respectful towards the Socceroos all week but defender Ibrahima Konate on Sunday admitted what was already becoming clear – they know virtually nothing about the current Australian squad
“No, not at all. I don’t know any of them,” he said.
Asked about the snub Arnold replied at Monday’s official pre-match press conference: “Doesn’t he have Paramount+?” – referring to the Australian streaming service that broadcasts the A-League.
Arnold was in a relaxed mood ahead of the biggest game of his coaching career but he intends on proving a point to the French, while he also took the chance to remind his players about the enormity of the situation.
“It’s something that’s their point of view. It’s our job to go out there tomorrow and show them who we are as a nation,” Arnold said.
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“The players have the stage, it’s their stage. And this is an opportunity in life that can change their life even more than what they have now.
“(Captain Mat Ryan has) been very fortunate – this is his third campaign, a lot of players don’t get one chance.
“And all I’ll just say is – every player needs to look at (injured) Martin Boyle today,and realise how fortunate they are to be here and run off the back of that.
“Obviously he’s out, and these players are pumped and ready to go – and that’s the most important thing.”
Socceroos skipper Mat Ryan, meanwhile, said it was important Australia didn’t “over-respect” the reigning world champions.
“We’re playing some very good players in a good team tomorrow,” he said.
“But we’re all human out there and it’s about getting ready for this game and doing everything we possibly can in what we’ve learned and prepared for and going out there and executing it.
“I feel if we do that to the standards that we’ve set, we’ve got a real good chance to win tomorrow night.”
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HOW SOCCEROOS COULD LINE UP
Australia will head into Wednesday morning’s (AEDT) enormous World Cup opener without one player, and unable to start another, who would have been certainties to face the reigning world champions.
Martin Boyle’s cruel withdrawal from the tournament due to injury and attacking midfielder Ajdin Hrustic’s management of ankle problem means Graham Arnold has some big calls to make in the coming days.
Mathew Leckie appears the likely beneficiary of Boyle’s withdrawal, though in-form Craig Goodwin will push pushing for a start on the flank along with Awer Mabil.
Australia have multiple options in how they cover for Hrustic, who will be fit to feature but not start against Kylian Mbappe and Co.
Riley McGree, in great form for Middlesbrough in the championship, is a like-for-like replacement while there is also an option to push Aaron Mooy further forward allowing for a call-up for the likes of Cam Devlin as a defensive midfielder.
Arnold is a big fan of Devlin and the Scotland-based 24-year-old’s workrate and tenacity could be valuable in midfield against the might of the French.
Mitch Duke is the favourite to start up front with A-League aces Jamie Maclaren and Jason Cummings strong options off the bench. Midfielders Mooy and Jackson Irvine are among the first names on the team sheet.
Arnold could be tempted to start both Harry Souttar and Kye Rowles in central defence, despite a relative lack of minutes for both — but Milos Degenek and Bailey Wright are ready to go — while Aziz Behich is a lock at left back and Fran Karacic seems likely to edge Nathaniel Atkinson on the right.
Potential lineup:
Mat Ryan (gk, capt), Aziz Behich, Harry Souttar, Kyle Rowles, Fran Karacic, Jackson Irvine, Aaron Mooy, Awer Mabil, Riley McGree, Mathew Leckie, Mitch Duke.
