KEY PLAYER [Karim Benzema]

The French striker is at the top of his game at the age of 34. Having won the Ballon d'Or for his performances for Real Madrid over the past one year, he will be eager to prove a point for France as well. He had been ignored by his countrymen for a long time before coach Didier Deschamps got him back into the fold ahead of the Euros last year. His partnership will Kylian Mbappe will decide how France fare at the World Cup.