France's World Cup understudies have roles to play | OneFootball

A settled France XI is taking shape at this World Cup, yet the understudies have roles to play. According to L'Équipe, not everyone among the 26 in the United States will get the minutes they hoped for.

Maghnes Akliouche and Lucas Digne did not feature in the 3-1 win over Senegal on Tuesday, then trained on Wednesday at the squad's base near Boston. For now, substitutes speak before sessions at Bentley University.

A week into camp, third goalkeeper Robin Risser said it was hard not to be happy to be involved, though routine can weigh on those who do not play.

Asked about his role, Maxence Lacroix kept it simple. The Crystal Palace centre-back impressed in preparation and looks a natural alternative to William Saliba or Dayot Upamecano. Gusto, Lacroix, N'Golo Kanté, Ibrahima Konaté, Manu Koné and Digne could feature through hierarchy shifts or rotation.

Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki are the only two to have already come on, putting them close to starter status. Malo Gusto said he would accept not playing if that is the coach's choice and give everything if picked, calling adaptation key. Akliouche stressed readiness over minutes.

History offers perspective. In 2018 Florian Thauvin made a late last 16 cameo in the 4-3 win over Argentina for defensive reasons, as Deschamps told France Football on 11 June 2021. In 2022 only Alphonse Areola was unused, in 2018 Areola and Adil Rami did not play, and Rami even declined a late final run-out.

Source: L'Équipe