France World Cup call up for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani as champions confirm squad

Olivier Giroud is just two goals behind Thierry Henry in the all time list of French goalscorer at international level

Olivier Giroud is just two goals behind Thierry Henry in the all time list of French goalscorer at international level Credit: Al Robinson (ETPhotos)

Didier Deschamps has announced his 26-man squad for the Qatar World Cup which kicks off this weekend. The reigning champions are again expected to be among the main contenders.   

Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku was a late withdrawal following an injury he picked up in Clairefontaine earlier in the week. Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani gets the call up to replace the unlucky Nkunku.

The squad contains many of those who triumphed in Russia with the addition of fresh exciting talents from top clubs around Europe. 

Hugo Lloris as captain will be expected to feature in goal in spite of inconsistent form for club and country. Steve Mananda might feature should they qualify before their final group game. 

In defence, there was concerns over the fitness of a number of players. Raphael Varane was named despite a hamstring strain suffered for Manchester United less than a month ago. Axel Disasi of Monaco was called up to the squad after Presnel Kimpembe had to withdraw due to a similar issue.

There were also fears over Lucas Hernandez, but he seems to have shaken them off. William Saliba could be a useful deputy given his form with Arsenal.

In midfield, the pairing from that final of Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté have both been ruled out of contention. Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni will be expected to play the holding role.

Depending on the opposition, Deschamps might be tempted to plump for Adrien Rabiot with Eduardo Camavinga for extra steel rather than the more exciting Youssouf Fofana. 

It is up front that presents the greatest headaches given the wealth of talents. Karim Benzema, Antoine Greizmann and Kylian Mbappe might be expected to lead the line, but Kingsley Coman will be waiting for his chance.

The evergreen Oliver Giroud has the opportunity to break the French scoring record. Marcus Thuram was the final player called up and could replicate his dad in winning a World Cup. 



Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Rennes)

Defenders: Axel Disasi (Monaco), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Raphael Varane (Manchester United)

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Jordan Veretout (Marseille)

Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (Paris St-Germain), Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach), Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt)

About Philip Morrissey

Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile