France need best version of Mbappe as tough World Cup looms

France start the defence of their World Cup title in Qatar. Kylian Mbappe is the second youngest player to score twice in a World cup final after Pele. He has scored 19 goals in 20 games for PSG this season. Mbabke has been the subject of speculation about his future. Thierry Henry has urged him to put the team before his own interests. France face Australia, Denmark and Tunisia in Group D. They also play Switzerland in Euro 2020. France lost in the last 16 in that tournament. The team is not as strong as it was four years ago.

France are ranked 4th in FIFA and are playing at the World Cup. They won their first World Championship in 1998.

France qualified top of Group D with five wins and three draws. They finished their qualifying campaign with three consecutive victories.

France won two friendly games against Ivory Coast and South Africa before their Nations League campaign. They lost their third match in six and finished the campaign with a 2-0 defeat away to Denmark.