Xuenou > Popular > France announce ‘stacked’ World Cup squad – but fans notice something wrong
France announce ‘stacked’ World Cup squad – but fans notice something wrong
France's squad for the World Cup has been announced, with Didier Deschamps naming 11 of the players who won the tournament in 2018 - with the potential for another to join them

France announce ‘stacked’ World Cup squad – but fans notice something wrong

Didier Deschamps' "stacked" France squad for the World Cup has been lauded by fans – but some spotted something wrong with it.

The reigning champions will be looking to retain their crown in Qatar. With 11 players from the 2018 squad featuring again, they head into the tournament as one of the favourites.

An attacking contingent of Karim Benzema, Kinglsey Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Christopher Nkunku is particularly jaw-dropping. One Twitter use replied: "These Mfs are STACKED."

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Another commented: "Mad squad. On paper, you would think this team takes it all." And a third argued: "These guys can go back to back."

However, Deschamps has named only a 25-man squad, despite being able to pick 26 players. And that led to suggestions that he was leaving a space free for injured Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

How far do you think France will go? Let us know in the comments section.

This file photo taken on July 15, 2018 shows France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris holding the trophy as he celebrates with teammates during the trophy ceremony at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match between France and Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow
France will be looking to retain the 2018 crown in Qatar (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

One fan said: "Only 25 players… Pogba is making the plane." A second echoed: "1 more space for PP."

"25 man squad Pogba could still make it," added another. One wrote: "Pogba could make it. It's 25 players. Didier is saving a spot for someone. I am guessing it's Pogba."

Pogba is yet to play for Juventus after joining them in the summer following the expiration of his Manchester United contract. Also out injured is Chelsea's N'Golo Kante.

Paul Pogba of Juventus during the Preseason Friendly match between Juventus and Chivas de Guadalajara at Allegiant Stadium on July 22, 2022
Fans think a space has been left in the squad for Paul Pogba (Image: Getty Images)

Elsewhere in the squad, Arsenal sensation William Saliba has made the cut, as too has Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate. And they'll be joined by Raphael Varane, despite the centre-back's injury scare for Manchester United last month.

France squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda

Defenders: Lucas Hernardez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamencano, Raphael Varane

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout

Forwards: Karim Benzema, Kinglsey Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku

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