France is definitely the most talented team in Group A in world cup 2010, and this should be enough for them to advance to the knockout stage.
Raymond DOMENECH: The only man in French more unpopular than president Sarkozy, Domenech is eccentric, unpredictable and contrary. Took over after Euro 2004 and somehow led the team to the Final in 2006.
GoalkeepersCédric CARRASSO (Bordeaux): Joined Bordeaux from Toulouse last summer having spent much of his career struggling to get a game at Marseille. Third-choice keeper in the squad.
Hugo LLORIS (Lyon): Genuinely class goalkeeper who impressed in the UEFA Champions League this season. Was sent off in a qualifying match in Serbia.
Steve MANDANDA (Marseille): Briefly first-choice before Lloris established himself between the posts. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, helped his club win the French league last season.
Defenders
Éric ABIDAL (Barcelona): The left-back has had an injury-ravaged season and seen the Brazilian Maxwell take his place in the first team at the Camp Nou. Usually plays at centre back for his country.
Gaël CLICHY (Arsenal): Highly promising 24-year-old left-back brought up to play intelligent football by Arsène Wenger. A high quality deputy in a strong position for the French.
Patrice EVRA (Manchester Utd): Superb attacking left-back whose career has taken off since moving to Old Trafford in 2006, largely down to learning how to defend as well as attack down the flank.
William GALLAS (Arsenal): A pre-tournament injury worry but returned to the side to score the equalizer in a warm-up match in Tunisia. At 32, experienced but his behavior can occasionally be divisive. May leave Arsenal this summer.
Marc PLANUS (Bordeaux): A surprise inclusion, particularly as Bordeaux did such a mediocre job of attempting to defend their Ligue 1 crown. Selected ahead of clubmate Michaël Ciani as reserve central defender.
Anthony RÉVEILLÈRE (Lyon): In and out of the squad over the years, the right-back is preferred to Rennes’ battling Rod Fanni. Has to battle with François Clerc for the right-back berth at Lyon.
Bacary SAGNA (Arsenal): First-choice right-back for club and country. Athletic and tough, he began life as a forward and finally has a chance to shine for his country following the retirement of Willy Sagnol.
Sébastien SQUILLACI (Sevilla): Came to prominence in the Monaco side which reached the 2004 Champions League Final, partnering Gaël Givet at centre back. Dependable defender doing well in La Liga.
Midfielders
Abou DIABY (Arsenal): Imposing central midfielder seen by some as the heir to Patrick Vieira for club and country. Moves up the pecking order due to Lassana Diarra’s injury.
Alou DIARRA (Bordeaux): Hardly got a look in at Bayern Munich or Liverpool in his early career but was a fixture in title-winning sides at Lyon and Lens. Will play as a holding midfielder if the old 4-2-1-3 system is brought back.
Yoann GOURCUFF (Bordeaux): The creative midfielder has blossomed since joining Bordeaux, initially on loan from Milan. Having flattered to deceive at the San Siro, he was the inspiration behind Bordeaux’s league triumph in 2008/09.
Florent MALOUDA (Chelsea): Signed late in the José Mourinho era, the left-winger finally fulfilled his potential during Guus Hiddink’s spell as acting Chelsea coach in 2009. Was superb last season and can be versatile and provide a goal threat.
Franck RIBÉRY (Bayern Munich): Will the recent controversy in France cast a shadow over the brilliant winger in South Africa? He was upstaged by Arjen Robben at Bayern Munich last season but carried France through more than one qualifying match.
Jérémy TOULALAN (Lyon): Principal holding midfielder who had to fill in as a central defender periodically last season for his club. Will need to be extra vigilant should the new 4-1-2-3 system stay in operation.
Mathieu VALBUENA (Marseille): Pint-sized wildcard choice in midfield who some felt should have gone to Euro 2008. Scored on his début in the recent friendly win over Costa Rica in Lens.
StrikersNicolas ANELKA (Chelsea): Not selected for the last two World Cups, the mercurial striker’s attitude has improved in recent seasons. Could play on the right of a front three but is better suited to the centre forward position.
Djibril CISSÉ (Panathinaikos): In his first tournament squad since Confed ‘03, looks a man reborn when not playing in the Premier League. Now a Greek champion with the Athens club.
André-Pierre GIGNAC (Toulouse): Powerhouse centre forward who had a fine 2008/09 season, scoring 24 league goals; seven more than the next best in the division that season. A more restrained campaign this time around but has credit banked with the coach.
Sidney GOVOU (Lyon): Versatile attacking player who could start to the right of Anelka, allowing Ribéry to adopt his preferred position, cutting in from the left wing. Though rarely a first-team player has been in every France squad since Confed ’03.
Thierry HENRY (Barcelona): Frozen out of the Catalan giants, Henry may even suffer the indignity of being reduced to a super-sub in South Africa. You surely don’t need reminding of his role in France’s play-off with Ireland.
They open their World Cup campaign against Uruguay on June 11 at 6.30 GMT. France's next fixtures in the World Cup are an away date against Mexico on Jun 17 and against South Africa on June 22.
Watch all the matches live.
