Deschamps says ‘team player’ Mbappe would accept change

Didier Deschamps insisted Kylian Mbappe would have no problem with being benched for France's final World Cup group game against Tunisia on Wednesday if the coach decides to rest his star striker.

The reigning champions are all but assured of top spot in Group D given their threepoint advantage and vastly superior goal difference to second-placed Australia.

Deschamps confirmed there will be several changes but would not say if Golden Boot hopeful Mbappe would be among them. The Paris St Germain striker has scored three goals in France's opening two games.

"His fitness is fine so we don't need to manage that," Deschamps said. "Perhaps then you are asking about his ego. Kylian [inset] doesn't have a big ego. Of course he's an important player, a key player, but he's a team player.

"Of course he's a star because he's such a vital player but he's not 18 anymore.

He's got a bit more experience.

"He always wants to play but that's true of all players. Not all of them can start tomorrow. There are a lot of factors to take into account."

While Deschamps can plan ahead, opposite number Tunisia boss Jalel Kadri may only have a few hours left in the job – at least if he sticks to his own promise to step down if he could not secure what would be Tunisia's first progression beyond the group stages.

Asked yesterday about that pledge, Kadri said: "Let's wait for the result of the match and we will see. We are people who bear responsibility and hopefully I will be able to answer your question after the match."