Olivier Giroud: Coach Didier Deschamps named a 25-man group on Wednesday amid injury concerns for the defending champions, and Olivier Giroud was included in the squad in which France will compete for the World Cup in Qatar.
After the team’s early exit from Euro 2021, the seasoned striker took a nine-month break before returning in March. He has been in excellent form for AC Milan and France and is two goals away from Thierry Henry’s all-time national scoring record of 51 goals.
“He knows where he stands, he knows what my position is, and it’s better for the French team that he is with us,” said Deschamps, who would narrow his squad to 23 players by Monday. Many players, notably Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Paris St. Germain centre back Presnel Kimpembe, and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, have been dealing with injuries.
France to face Australia in their opening match
Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot, and Eduardo Camavinga were among the six midfielders picked because Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante were injured and had already been ruled out of the competition before the team announcement.
“I know he (Benzema) will do everything to be at 100 percent in time,” said Deschamps.
Giroud, Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, and Christopher Nkunku were also mentioned up front. Kylian Mbappe was also in the list. With Australia, Denmark, and Tunisia, France will be in Group D. At the Al Janoub Stadium, they face Australia in their opening match on November 22.
Deschamps believes France are favourites to win
Despite a disappointing Nations League campaign, Deschamps expects France will be the first country to defend its World Cup crown since Brazil in 1962. He said, “I made a few players unhappy tonight and 25 are super happy, but I know that as soon as we meet up they will all want to be in the starting 11.”
“I don’t care about bad statistics. We’re not in the best position but we know what we are capable of. However, let’s first go through the first round before setting any goals.”
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