Tried and tested
Didier Deschamps hasn’t been one to chop and change his tactics very much during his impressive nine years at the helm. He’s currently favouring a back four and a hard-working double pivot in central midfield, with those spots filled by N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba. On the left he opts for an “out-of-position” central midfielder, with Adrien Rabiot performing that role since Blaise Matuidi’s departure. Rabiot offers more technical ability, but still has the dependability to give Kylian Mbappe freedom down the right wing to combine with No.10 Antoine Griezmann and striker Olivier Giroud to create his side opportunities.
The French squad is packed with ability and cover in most positions - the only areas where the French may be lacking could be at right-back and up front. Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard is set to remain the number one right-back after Lyon’s Leo Dubois failed to impress.
In the striking department, no one has taken the opportunity to oust Giroud. Anthony Martial has shown glimpses, but his finishing leaves a lot to be desired, while Wissam Ben Yedder doesn’t seem able to reproduce his club form for France, meaning Giroud should get the nod.