World Cup Review: France

France took home their second World Cup trophy after beating Croatia in the final 4-2 to cap a memorable tournament. 

 Preferred Starting XI 



 Strengths There are strengths throughout this excellent football team but the word 'balance' really sums them up. Skipper Hugo Lloris is 31, while PSG superstar Kylian Mbappé is 19, but there are experienced players sprinkled all along the gap between them, notably versatile striker/playmaker and 27-year-old Atlético Madrid man Antoine Griezmann. The side has youthful exuberance and experience all bundled into one, with 25-year-old Raphael Varane already a four-time Champions League winner. All of their pedigree, experience and youthful exuberance has combined into a winning formula.

 Weaknesses 



22-year-old left back Lucas Hernandez was a reliable performer all tournament for Les Bleus so to isolate him as a 'weakness' in the French side seems to be clutching at straws. Such was the strength of this collective French effort that only Hernandez's lack of height occasionally let France down from set pieces. Otherwise, he was a very sturdy option and will improve. Going forward, France will also need to find a more prolific number 9 and alternative to Olivier Giroud, who turns 32 later this year. The Chelsea man didn't manage a single shot on target during the tournament.

 Verdict 

France finally came good on all of their promise after a sluggish start to the tournament. Paul Pogba shone from midfield, dictating play and causing damage to opponents, aided by the freakishly quick teenager Kylian Mbappé. Antoine Griezmann, a relative veteran in the side at 27, was a calming presence who also improved as the matches became more important, and really came into his own in the semifinals and finals. At the back, Varane and Umtiti are 24 and 25 respectively, and this bodes extremely well for the future of Frech football. They should go to Euro 2020 brimmed full of confidence and with the favourites tag on their head.

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