France World Cup 2014 Profile: Will Griezmann and Pogba Steal Show?

Manager: Didier Deschamps.

World Ranking: 16.

How they qualified: Beat Ukraine 3-2 on aggregate in the play-offs after finishing second in European qualifying Group I.

World Cup Best: Winners in 1998.

Fixtures: Group E - Honduras (15 June), Switzerland (20 June), Ecuador (25 June).

Squad -

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Stephane Ruffier, Mickael Landreau.

Defenders: Raphael Varane, Laurent Koscielny, Mamadou Sakho, Eliaquim Mangala, Bacary Sagna, Mathieu Debuchy, Patrice Evra, Lucas Digne.

Midfielders: Paul Pogba, Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi, Mathieu Valbuena, Moussa Sissoko, Rio Mavuba, Clement Grenier.

Forwards: Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Franck Ribery, Loic Remy, Antoine Griezmann.

Expectations: The fiasco which overshadowed their Euro 2012 campaign caused major transition in the French ranks. Didier Deschamps took over from Laurent Blanc and is the charged with rebuilding a flayling team with some talented individuals.

Deschamps has introduced new quality players such as Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane and Mamadou Sakho and in a weak group can play their way into the tournament. A last eight spot is not beyond them.

Star man: Antoine Griezmann – Karim Benzema is finally meeting expectation with Real Madrid, while Pogba shines at Juventus is building a reputation as one of the finest young midfielders in the world.

However, Antoine Griezmann has already earned a place at the spearhead of the France attack after scoring his first international goal in their friendly against Paraguay. The 23-year-old has been in brilliant form this season - netting 16 goals in 35 league appearances – so he will be the main threat in the France squad from the left flank.

Even though Franck Ribery has been named in France's squad, he could be out of the competition because of a back injury that could force him out of the tournament altogether. Griezmann is ready to step into his shoes.

Prediction: Quarter final – Unable to win a match in 2010, a fortunate draw should see the French enjoy an extended stay in Brazil.