'Pogba has to accept he is not the star of the French team'

Although France tipped to be one of the favourite's to win this year's World Cup, the ex-Chelsea defender believes 'Les Bleus' need to be careful about how they conduct approach this tournament and avoid thinking that games against sides such as Australia are certain wins.

In the 'Guardian', Desailly writes "You should have seen us in 1998, seen how we were shaking. With all respect, it was only South Africa we had to face for the first game but we were trembling."

Such an attitude, of respecting every opponent faced, took 'Les Bleus' to winning the World Cup in 1998 and Desailly believes that the current French squad should do the same.

The former player goes on to highlight the importance of Antoine Griezmann, who proved his worth on the big stage at Euro 2016, and Kylian Mbappe who will be playing in his first major international tournament.

"Kylian has burst on to the scene in a way that is not so dissimilar to that of Thierry Henry back in 1998"

Such high praise, however, is not extended to Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, who has to recognise his role in the team as that of providing balance, rather than being the staring man according to Desailly.