According to RMC, after France's final warm-up match, a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland, Didier Deschamps has more clues regarding his defensive choices, especially for full-backs and the pecking order for substitute center-backs.
Deschamps reiterated on Monday evening that he likely finalized his starting XI for the World Cup opener against Senegal on the 16th several days ago. However, the 3-1 warm-up win against Northern Ireland also suggests that not everything is entirely set in stone.
In defense, especially at right-back, Malo Gusto's performance after coming on as a substitute on Monday was quite outstanding and full of impetus. In the coach's eyes, Jules Kounde is still the starter, but the Barcelona defender's form is not exactly red-hot. Kounde provides solid defensive assurance, which is very important to Deschamps, especially given France's aggressive attacking system that can leave space behind. Deschamps substituted him at halftime to give Malo Gusto more playing time and to develop him into a reliable option for the right side of the defense.
At left-back, Theo has clearly gained an advantage. The Al-Hilal player was very active on the ball on Monday evening and linked up well with Desire Doué in front of him. Deschamps appreciates his speed, range of movement, and ability to remain strong in challenges. Compared to Lucas Digne, he already has a clear lead, which was not so obvious before the warm-up matches began.
Will Lacroix be the third-choice center-back?
Another gain, or even a small change, is that Maxence Lacroix was the first center-back to replace William Saliba at halftime on Monday. Lacroix had an excellent season at Crystal Palace, continuing the promising form he showed during the valuable training camp in March. He can play both left and right center-back, so in Deschamps' view, he has become a reliable alternative who can replace starting center-backs during games, especially Saliba. Saliba's form will continue to be monitored in the early stages of matches and during consecutive games.
Deschamps has one week left to sort out these final details and finalize his choices. France has conceded goals in five consecutive matches, their worst defensive record since December 2022. Deschamps knows that his four-forward system requires a cohesive defense and players who are in form.