Didier Deschamps has explained the new role of Kylian Mbappe in the France national team for the World Cup after an injury ruled Karim Benzema out of the tournament.
Benzema – the Ballon d'Or winner for 2022 – was set to partner Mbappe in attack for Les Bleus in this year's tournament with Antoine Griezmann expected to play behind the front two. However, Deschamps has now had to re-jig his team.
The absence of Real Madrid striker Benzema means that former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is now set to take a central attacking role for the tournament holders with Mbappe now anticipated to shift to the left side of attack, as has been trialled in training sessions.