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While uncertainty surrounds the makeup of the Socceroos' starting lineup for Wednesday morning’s opening FIFA World Cup clash with France, the eleven players that will take to the field from the opening whistle for the defending champions are all but locked in.
SBS Sport attended France’s training session last night and was able to gather vital information on the Les Bleus team for Wednesday morning’s fixture.
This starting line-up is also what many in the French media are expecting Deschamps to name on Wednesday morning.
Goalkeeper - Hugo Lloris
The Tottenham gloveman will lead a French side looking to buck a recent trend that has seen the past three World Cup holders eliminated in the group stage of the tournament.
Right-back - Benjamin Pavard
The Bayern Munich defender was key to France’s success at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, starting six of seven matches in Russia for Didier Deschamps’ side.
Pavard scored the goal of the tournament in the Round of 16 against Argentina.
Centre-back - Dayot Upamecano
The 24-year-old is set to start next to his Bayern Munich teammate and has made seven appearances for Les Bleus since making his international debut in 2020.
Upamecano has become one of the best central defenders in the world since his move to the Bundesliga champions last year.
Centre-back - Ibrahima Konaté or Raphaël Varane (if cleared to play)
He’s struggled for minutes at Liverpool this season making just 2 appearances in the English Premier League due to injury, but Ibrahima Konate is set to beat out Arsenal defender William Saliba for the other spot in the centre of France’s defence.
There is speculation Raphael Varane could overcome a recent injury sustained playing for Manchester United, but it appears Didier Deschamps is set to play it safe and allow Varane every chance to be fit to face Denmark.
Left-back - Lucas Hernandez
Hernandez’s inclusion would mean that Bayern Munich players make up 75% of France’s backline against the Socceroos. The Bundesliga champions have conceded just 13 goals in the league this season.
Centre midfield - Aurélien Tchouaméni
He’s only 22 but Tchouameni has already amassed 14 caps for the French national team despite having to compete with Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante for a spot in the side.
The midfielder has made 18 appearances for Real Madrid since joining the La Liga champions from Monaco earlier this year in a deal worth $123 million dollars.
Centre midfield - Adrien Rabiot
While many may have expected Youssouf Fofana to partner his former Monaco teammate in midfield, it appears Adrien Rabiot will start alongside Tchouameni against the Socceroos.
Rabiot has scored 5 goals in 16 matches for Juventus this season, but the Old Lady has struggled to keep pace with Napoli in Serie A and were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stage.
Right wing - Ousmane Dembélé
Dembele has recaptured the form that led Barcelona to pay Borussia Dortmund $216 million dollars for his services in 2017.
Still just 25, Dembele has been directly involved in 27% of Barcelona's goals this season in La Liga and has found the back of the net 5 times in 20 matches while providing 7 assists in all competitions.
Left wing - Kylian Mbappé
Arguably the greatest player on the planet right now and the breakout star of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Mbappe has been at his scintillating best for Paris Saint-Germain this season scoring 19 goals in 20 games for the Ligue 1 champions.
The 23-year-old is on pace to go down as the greatest French footballer of all-time.
Second striker - Antoine Griezmann
One of Didier Deschamps’ most trusted servants.
In what could be his last FIFA World Cup, the 31-year-old is set to again play a key role for France.
Griezmann has only started in half of his 14 appearances in La Liga this season for Atletico Madrid but still possesses game changing ability.
Centre-forward - Olivier Giroud
With Ballon d’Or winner Karin Benzema ruled out of the tournament through injury, Giroud is now tasked with leading the line for the defending champions.
He may now be 36, but Giroud is still performing at the highest level consistently, having scored 9 goals in 19 appearances for Serie A champions AC Milan this season.
How to watch Socceroos v France LIVE and FREE on SBS
Wednesday, November 23
Group D - France v Australia
5:00am - 8:30am (AEDT) - kickoff at 06.00am
LIVE on SBS and SBS On Demand
