France squad look in high morale as squad numbers are released ahead of World Cup
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FRANCE'S World Cup stars got together at their training base in Clairefontaine with preparations for the World Cup well underway.
Arriving in their usual questionable attire, the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe were put through their paces on the training pitch.
A side riddled with talent, the French are one of the tournament favourites to be crowned world champions when the tournament ends in July.
Morale among the French group has been questioned in the past but they appear to be a close-knit bunch as they laughed and joked in training.
Wonderkid Mbappe appeared to hit the net again before being mobbed by his team-mates.
The Paris Saint-Germain ace then wrestled with Paul Pogba on the ground with the pair cracking up.
They showed glimpses of their ability against the Italians with Samuel Umtiti, Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele on target in the 3-1 win.
Didier Deschamps' side will have one more warm-up game against USA on Saturday before they face Australia in their group opener.
The French boss will already have a good idea of his starting XI ahead of the first match with star man Griezmann handed the No7 shirt.
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has been given the No9 shirt with Paul Pogba wearing the No6.
The Manchester United man will be instrumental if France are to go far in the tournament.
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But he didn't enjoy his finest appearance in a France shirt in Friday's win despite playing in a preferred role in a three-man midfield.
He was previously dropped by Deschamps for the friendly defeat by Colombia in March.
France's World Cup squad numbers
Hugo Lloris - 1
Benjamin Pavard - 2
Presnel Kimpembe - 3
Raphael Varane - 4
Samuel Umtiti - 5
Paul Pogba - 6
Antoine Griezmann - 7
Thomas Lemar - 8
Olivier Giroud - 9
Kylian Mbappe - 10
Ousmane Dembele - 11
Corentin Tolisso - 12
N'Golo Kante - 13
Blaise Matuidi - 14
Steven N'Zonzi - 15
Steve Mandanda - 16
Adil Rami - 17
Nabil Fekir - 18
Djibril Sidibe - 19
Florian Thauvin - 20
Lucas Hernandez - 21
Benjamin Mendy - 22
Alphonse Areola - 23
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But the gaffer insists he's still indispensable despite his performance against Italy.
He said: "Not everything was successful, but he helped the team to be well organised.
“I don’t question Paul’s potential. If I called him up, it’s because he’s indispensable for me."