Varane returns for France, with record-chasing Giroud up front

Didier Deschamps recalled Raphael Varane to his starting XI for France’s World Cup clash with Denmark.

Varane, who has not played since he was forced off with an injury in Manchester United’s Premier League game with Chelsea on October 22, was one of three changes made to the France team for Saturday’s game in Doha.

Deschamps confirmed on Friday that Varane had been fit to feature in the opening game, and had trained without any issues prior to France’s second match of the tournament. The former Real Madrid centre-back replaced Ibrahima Konate in France’s XI.

Les Bleus head into the match at Stadium 974 knowing that victory would ensure their progression to the last 16.

The holders thrashed Australia 4-1 in their opening Group D game, though suffered another injury blow in that match, with Lucas Hernandez sustaining a serious knee injury.

Hernandez was replaced by his brother, Theo, and the latter started at left-back against the Danes, with Barcelona defender Jules Kounde replacing Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard at right-back.

The Tricolore to face Denmark
Kick-off at 5pm CET

| #FRADEN | #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/tEPYZkxYFK

— French Team (@FrenchTeam) November 26, 2022

Olivier Giroud will become France’s all-time leading goalscorer the next time he finds the net, and the Milan forward was given the nod up top, leading a line that also included Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann.

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand made four changes.

Thomas Delaney was injured in the draw with Tunisia on Tuesday and makes way for Mikkel Damsgaard, while Victor Nelsson replaced Simon Kjaer in the defence and Jesper Lindstrom came in for Andreas Skov Olsen.

Andreas Cornelius missed a fantastic chance to seal the points for Denmark against Tunisia, hitting the post from a yard out, but he was handed a start in place of Kasper Dolberg.