Mbappe the key to French bliss
FRANCE
THE only previous time France defended the World Cup, they were knocked out in the group stage without scoring. And being French, they could do the same in Qatar or become only the third team ever to retain the title.
There were clear signs of disunity in the camp at the Euros last summer with Adrien Rabiot’s mother getting involved in an argument with Kylian Mbappe’s father after the Switzerland defeat. And the Paris
Saint-Germain star is in dispute with the French FA over image rights while Paul Pogba is facing a race to get fit.
Olivier Giroud has moved to within two of Thierry Henry’s all-time France record of 51 goals. Finding the right formation up front, with Karim Benzema, Antoine Griezmann, Christopher Nkunku, Ousmane Dembele and Kingsley Coman also in contention, promises to be a problem for Didier Deschamps.
Mbappe (above), 23, is the key for France as he bids to establish himself as the best player in the world.