France

Confederation: UEFA (Europe)
Head coach: Raymond Domenech
Captain: Thierry Henry
Group: A

Keen astronomer Raymond Domenech has named his prelimanary 30 man squad, which involves some world class names. From goalkeeper to upfront, the French have genuine quality. 'Keeper Hugo Lloris, who will be playing in his first World Cup, looks to have all the attributes to be a great 'keeper, he is something that Les Blues have been missing in recent years. The French defense consists of very experienced defenders, Gallas, Evra and Abidal are ones who have played at the highest club level.

Domenech has shocked many people with his provisional squad, the omissions of Karim Benzema and Samir Nasri will have French fans scratching their heads. Benzema has had a disappointing first season in Madrid, however, on his day, he is one of the best strikers in the world. Also, Domenech has decided against calling up a replacemacement for the injured Lassana Diarra.

Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri was expected to be named in the 30 man squad at least. He is one who can create and provide a moment of genius, odd decision. Perhaps the stars told Domenech to do it, many people were surprised he didn't get the axe after a poor Euro 2008. The French Football Federation may regret not replacing the horoscope fanatic........


Squad:

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux)

Defenders: William Gallas (Arsenal/ENG), Eric Abidal (Barcelona/ESP), Bakary Sagna (Arsenal/ENG), Patrice Evra (Manchester United/ENG), Gael Clichy (Arsenal/ENG), Marc Planus (Bordeaux), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla/ESP)

Midfielders: Abou Diaby (Arsenal/ENG), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea/ENG), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon)

Strikers: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea/ENG), Djibril Cisse (Panathinaikos/GRE), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Thierry Henry (Barcelona/ESP), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich/GER), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)

Watch France kick-off their campaign against Uruguay(6th June) on flashsportstreams.com/forum/


Ant Myers