How France should line up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

After missing out on a trophy in 2016, France would be looking to finish on top at the World Cup. The world is aware of the talent present in France's squad. The squad depth is ridiculous and at the moment, their squad is full of young talent who are shinning at club level.

Surely, some big names are going to miss out, but the players who make the cut are important.

On that note, let us have a look at how Didier Deschamps can form an invincible side by using a 4-2-3-1 formation:

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Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ever reliable

Absolutely no doubt that Hugo Lloris will be the first choice keeper for France. The 31-year old will also captain his side for the tournament. Lloris has kept 11 clean sheets for Spurs in the Premier League so far too.

Alphonse Areola from PSG would make a pretty good second-choice keeper for Deschamps.

Umtiti has improved a lot since the Euro final in 2016.

The first name on the line of back four has to be Samuel Umtiti. He has improved a lot at Barcelona since his campaign at the euro. So far, he has made no errors that have led to a goal. Umtiti is consistent and dependable. His tackling, pace and body strength makes him one of the best players in his position.

The other centre-back has to be Raphael Varane. He has arguably been one of the better performers for Real Madrid so far. The 25-year old is tall and strong in the air. He also knows how to play the ball from the back. Apart from a decent 90% passing completion, Varane has also made 23 crucial interceptions in 16 games for Madrid in La Liga.

This defensive duo of El Clasico rivals should be the first choice players to provide everything to the defensive line. Much experienced Arsenal defender, Laurent Koscielny and the young PSG man Presnel Kimpembe can be amazing backup options.

Kurzawa scored a hattrick in UCL

There is a lot of competition for the left-back spot. However, we'll go with Layvin Kurzawa. He is an attacking full-back who knows how to score and assist pretty well. He is quick and reads the game smartly. He played all the group stage matches in Champions league, grabbing 3 goals and 2 assists for his team.

On the other side, we have Djibril Sidibe. This Monaco right back is a complete defender. He has 3 assists to his name in the French league. He also possesses a decent 85% pass completion rate, which renders Sidibe the perfect man for the job.

Lucas Digne and Benjamin Mendy can be excellent alternatives for the fullback positions.

Defensive Midfielders and Wingers

These two form a solid wall.

Pretty obvious, isn't it? The two defensive midfield spots are occupied by Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante. Well, everyone knows what Kante is capable of. You see him clearing up the ball at the back for the team and next moment he is in the centre of the park stopping the opposition's play.

This tireless man is one of the best in his positions and deserves to one of the first names on the list. Stats can not show what Kante does in the field but this little genius has created 32 chances for his side in the Premier League.

On the other hand, this formation suits Pogba more than playing in a 4-4-2 formation. Here, he will be able to do his job better and supply long balls to either flank or just pass it to the attacking front.

Pogba will have to attack less, but surely, the manager wouldn't mind if he tries a couple of shots from long range. He has created 30 chances for the Red Devils and has grabbed 9 assists to his name.

So, these two players form a deadly duo and would be the engine of the French National Team. Blaise Matuidi and Adrien Rabiot are perfect substitutes to play in this position.

Ousmane Dembele. The one to watch out for.

France has many players who can do the job extremely well on the wide positions.

On the right flank, we go with Ousmane Dembele. The 20-year has shown what he is capable of at Dortmund and on the international level as well. Dembele is quick, his dribbling skills are exceptional and he loves to provide assists to his teammates.

We haven't seen much from him this season but his performances last seen was commendable. He recorded 12 assists and created 63 goal-scoring opportunities at Dortmund. Recently, he has been bothered by injuries at Barcelona but surely Deschamps is aware of his abilities.

On the left, Deschamps can put all his faith in Thomas Lemar. The young Monaco starlet is a sensational player. He is vital to Monaco's squad and will surely be important for France as well. Lemar has created 30 chances and grabbed 6 assists in the French league. Massive.

When these two play on the wide positions there will surely be no lack of goal-scoring chances and all these midfielders could be trusted to set up lots of goals. Anthony Martial and Kingsley Coman can be great alternatives to play on the wide positions.

Attacking Midfielder and Striker

He certainly knows how to dance with and without the ball.

For the attacking midfielder slot, we've got Antoine Greizmann. Strange not to see him play as the striker but he could prove to be lethal in this role. Griezmann has been the main man for Atletico Madrid for a long time now and it's fair to say that he is one of the best players in this national team.

He grabbed 4 goals and 4 assists during the qualifiers and will be hoping to replicate his form during the Mega-event.

Nabil Fekir and Dimitri Payet can be decent substitutes for the attacking midfield role.

19-years old and already a superstar.

Kylian Mbappe is an absolute gem to have for any manager. He is capable of scoring goals, providing assists and beating opponents. Mbappe is a complete package. He is super-quick and is clinical in finishing the move for his side.

Many would argue against him starting for the National team because of lack of experience but his performance and statistics support his inclusion.

He has been directly involved in 17 goals for PSG in the league already. Mbappe deserves the first team place and who knows it may take him to even greater heights.

Olivier Giroud and Alexandre Lacazette can be the backup for this young sensation. While Benzema and Gameiro are expected to miss out.

Playing XI

This formation looks tailor-made for the French National team

GK - Hugo Lloris

CB - Samuel Umtiti

CB - Raphael Varane

RB - Djibril Sidibe

LB - Layvin Kurzawa

DM - Paul Pogba

DM - N'Golo Kante

LM - Thomas Lemar

RM - Ousmane Dembele

AM - Antoine Griezmann

CF - Kylian Mbappe