France XI vs Sweden: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for World Cup | OneFootball

Les Bleus’ attack has been potent so far as they look to continue that trend against Graham Potter’s men

France begin their knockout journey against Sweden in the round of 32 as they bid to reach their third World Cup final in a row.

Didier Deschamps will return to the dugout after he missed his side’s 4-1 win over Norway when he flew back to France to attend his mother’s funeral.

The 2018 champions beat Senegal 3-1 in their opener and Iraq 3-0 in their second game. Kylian Mbappe scored a brace in each to take his all-time World Cup tally to 16 goals and two off Lionel Messi.

A hat-trick would make Mbappe the tournament’s record goalscorer, at least until Messi’s Argentina play against Cape Verde on Friday, June 3.

France’s match-up against Sweden will see them seek to continue their run of eight consecutive knockout games without losing (their penalty shootout defeat to Argentina in the 2022 final is considered a draw).

The two-times winners will look to get their fourth win out of four at this tournament and reach the last-16, where they will come up against the winners of Germany and Paraguay.

Prolific: Dembele and Mbappe have four goals apiece

Mbappe will lead the line against Graham Potter’s side, while Ousmane Dembele’s hat-trick against Norway proved their attack is not reliant on the Real Madrid striker.

Michael Olise completes a fearsome attacking trio, not to mention PSG wide men Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue, who have been rotated by Deschamps on the right-wing. Either could start.

Marcus Thuram could miss out with a calf injury, but he has only featured for a few minutes of injury time against Iraq. His absence will not be too keenly felt.

In midfield, Adrien Rabot and Aurelien Tchouameni started Les Bleus’ opening win over Senegal, but Manu Kone came in for Tchouameni against Iraq. The Real Madrid man then returned to the side against Norway, replacing Rabiot.

Whatever combination Deschamps picks for this game, they need to provide the defensive platform for their attack to flourish.

In defence, Theo Hernandez came in for Lucas Digne against Norway. Digne had started the first two games, but Hernandez may retain his place.

William Saliba missed the Norway clash with a recurring back injury. The Arsenal man may be absent again.

Maxence Lacroix partnered Dayot Upamecano instead and may start again. Jules Kounde’s position at right-back remains secure, with Malo Gusto a good back-up option.

Mike Maignan will start in goal. He has performed well and saved Jorgen Strand Larsen’s spot-kick last time out.

Predicted France XI vs Sweden (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Lacroix, Digne; Rabiot, Kone; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe

Doubts: Saliba, Thuram