Kylian Mbappe has been tipped to step up and use his “aura” to inspire France after the holders lost Karim Benzema to injury.
Didier Deschamps wants to help Les Bleus be the first team to successfully defend the trophy since Brazil in 1962. But his plans have been hit by a wave of injuries after Real Madrid striker Benzema was the latest to pull out with a thigh injury.
He joins Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante and Christopher Nkunku in missing the tournament. It is a nightmare for France, who lifted the trophy four years ago in Russia, where they beat Croatia in the final.