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World Cup 2018 power rankings

By James Dudko

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Per Mertesacker of Germany holds the trophy a loft during the 2014 World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at The Maracana Stadium on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Per Mertesacker of Germany holds the trophy a loft during the 2014 World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at The Maracana Stadium on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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France’s forward Kylian Mbappe arrives for a training session in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on May 30, 2018, as part of the team’s preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
France’s forward Kylian Mbappe arrives for a training session in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on May 30, 2018, as part of the team’s preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images) /

3. France

Les Bleus have everything they need to lift this trophy for the first time since 1998.  It starts with a perfect fusion of energy, muscle and ingenuity in the engine room of midfield.

N’Golo Kante will anchor a group also featuring Blaise Matuidi’s relentless running and Paul Pogba’s potential for magic. Pogba has been extremely erratic for United this season, but there is no denying he has the technique and drive to turn any match in France’s favor.

Most games should go the way of the French in Russia thanks to their pace along the forward line. Kylian Mbappe gets better every game, with the 19-year-old’s long-striding power, close control and ruthless finishing sure to make him a menace for any World Cup defense.

Antoine Griezmann can’t match Mbappe for pace, but not many forwards have the Atletico star’s knack for subtle movement. Griezmann and Mbappe will torment and overwhelm France’s Group C opponents.

The big decision will be who coach Didier Deschamps chooses to partner with them. He could opt for Chelsea battering ram Olivier Giroud as a natural focal point in the middle.

Alternatively, putting Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele on one flank would increase the speed and fluidity of an already potent attack.

Deschamps loves a 4-3-3 formation and how he gets the balance right up top will determine whether France will make the most of their strength and potential.

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