France's Squad for the World Cup: Desire Doué and Kalidou Koulibaly Starters

France will begin its World Cup campaign against Senegal with an eleven without any surprises. As announced this morning in L'Equipe, Desire Doué has been preferred over Bradley Barcola. Pape Thiaw has thus decided to align Kalidou Koulibaly, rather than Mamadou Sarr, in central defense.

Didier Deschamps is not playing the card of surprise to start his last World Cup at the helm of the Blues. The French national team coach has lined up the announced eleven in L'Equipe this morning, which should, in all likelihood, evolve into a 4-2-3-1 configuration this evening at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, against Senegal (9 pm, M6, beIN Sport 1).

Desire Doué will begin on the left flank of the attack, contrary to Bradley Barcola, while Theo Hernandez has been preferred over Lucas Digne at the left-wing back position. Furthermore, William Saliba, who has been dealing with back issues over the past few weeks, will debut in this opening match. He will be partnered by Dayot Upamecano in central defense.

On the other hand, Senegal will start the match in a 4-3-3 configuration. After some uncertainty concerning the identity of the player who would accompany Moussa Niakhaté in central defense, Pape Thiaw has ultimately preferred Kalidou Koulibaly over Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr. The player currently playing for Al-Hilal is currently struggling with rhythm and has only played eight minutes against Saudi Arabia in preparation after two months off. However, his top-level experience is priceless heading into such a crucial encounter. Idrissa Gueye, back from injury, will also be a starter.

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