France v Australia - Preview and possible lineups

France: Kylian Mbappe picked up a knock in training earlier this week but looks likely to start for 'Les Bleus'.

Striker Olivier Giroud has also been given the all-clear following his head injury the United States but Deschamps may air on the side of caution and leave him on the bench against the Socceroos. If he does, expect Ousmane Dembele to take his place.

Australia: Striker Tomi Juric showed enough recovery from a knee injury to make the 23-man squad but he too might not be risked in the first game.

Daniel Arzani is one of the youngest players at this summer's tournament and showed how much he can be a threat from the bench during the round of friendlies.

France coach Didier Deschamps on his opposition:

"[Van Marwijk] has changed a lot of things. The players are the same and of course it's the team that plays the match (6-0 thrashing in 2013). But we won't see Australia punting long balls up the field.

"They now try to play on the ground, and they're more attack-minded and more disciplined. He's also changed the defence, using four at the back instead of three in defence, or even five, as they used to. They're well organised."

Australia coach Bert van Marwijk about the potential for a big defeat​:

"We worked four weeks and you must believe in something. You have to have a little luck, but one of the key things is we must be very well organised.

"Not for 10, 20, 30 minutes, but for 90 minutes plus extra-time. You must be fit, physical and focused in your head.

"I think it [a big defeat] would be a surprise – normally in 10 games against France we'd lose eight or nine times, but in the last months we have worked hard, so maybe now we'd lose five or six times and win a few. If you have the guts to play, be yourself, then you have a chance."

Did you know?

France has won only three of its last 12 group games (D5 L4) — against Togo, Honduras and Switzerland.

Prediction: 3-1

Possible lineups:

France: Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez; Kante, Tolisso, Pogba; Griezmann, Mbappe, Dembele.

Australia: Ryan; Risdon, Milligan, Sainsbury, Behich; Mooy, Luongo, Rogic, Leckie; Kruse, Nabbout.