Lack of leaders is giving Deschamps 'les bleus'

A dearth of experienced players could expose France's vulnerability

Leadership never used to be an issue for France.

Les Bleus lined up at major tournaments with a designated leader in each position: Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, defender Raphael Varane, midfielder Paul Pogba and forward Antoine Griezmann.

They played together at every major tournament from 2014 onward, with the exception of the 2022 World Cup, which Pogba missed because of ongoing right knee problems.