Talent is undeniable but temperament a concern

REIGNING woorld champions France boastt one of the deepesst squads and arguably the most talent onn show in Qatar but, after a ten-year reign, questions area being asked of manager Didier Deschamps.

Les Bleus crashed out too Switzerland in the round ofo 16 at Euro 2020, losing on penalties having led 3-1, while the defence of their Nations League crown thiss year also provided more questions than answers.

France finished third behhind Croatia and Denmark in thheir group, winning one of six games, and only ensuring theyt avoided a humiliating relega ation with September’s 2-0 vi ctory at home to Austria. Fati igue and injuries played their partp as mainstays Karim Benze ema, Hugo Lloris, Paul Pogba a and N’Golo Kane misse ed September’s doubleheade er with Austria and Denm mark, and a denselypacke ed fixture schedule mea ns some of those casu ualties won’t return. Kante and Pogba, their st tarting midfield in their World W Cup triumph and again at Euro 2020, are both injured and while Raphael Varane, who remains a key figure in centre of defence, is in Les Bleus’ squad he’s been sidelined for Manchester United.

Attacking gems Kylian Mbappe and Benzema are world class but they’re not always a cohesive combination and this France team may lack the identity, experience and discipline of previous years.

Deschamps is not scared to tinker with his tactics, but that exploits the limited attacking output from their right wingback with Bayern’s Benjamin Pavard likely to get the nod.

France remain among the favourites to become the third nation in 92 years to retain the World Cup, but last summer’s Euros highlighted a disconnect between Deschamps and his allegiance of stars and it may be that other nations are better prepared.