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.
Most eyes are now on Paris Saint-Germain superstar Mbappe, 23, to deliver and add to his 28 goals in 59 caps if France are to prevail again after a disappointing Euros.
Coach Deschamps assessed: “He (Mbappe) was young and he is still young. But he is obviously four years older than he was in Russia. He played an important role in the pitch then.
“He was a great player in Russia and he was very mature then. He is even more mature now over the past four years and all he has gone through. Now, he has even more global recognition and more responsibility.
“He has what it takes to stand up from the crowd and score. His aura is second to none. That was the case four years ago and it’s still the case now.
“But he remains a team player who needs his team-mates around him to help him perform. He is part of the squad but he has the capability to be decisive at any point in the game which few players have.”
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France started off their 2018 campaign with a win over Australia and kick off Group D against the Aussies on Tuesday night as well. Captain Hugo Lloris, the Tottenham keeper, believes Mbappe can ensure France progress from the group.
Mbappe was the fall guy when his decisive spot-kick was saved against Switzerland in the last-16 shootout at the Euros in the summer of 2021 as France crashed out. But Lloris said: “When you have his (Mbappe's) ability, it is difficult to define his limit. His potential is incredible. He is raring to go to help the squad get results.”
Despite Benzema’s late withdrawal with an injury sustained in training in Doha, Deschamps has elected not to call up a replacement. His options included Anthony Martial of Manchester United, but Deschamps and Lloris have confidence in their young squad.
Lloris added: “We want to have an adventure similar to the World Cup in 2018. We want to live the highs with emotion. The team is ready to take on this challenge, we will progress. We want to get off to a flying start in this World Cup.”
