Olivier Giroud will lead the France attack following Karim Benzema’s injury and will have an opportunity to make history for his national team. The Milan striker needs three more goals to become the all-time scorer for Les Bleus.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport points out, the veteran has bagged 49 goals in 114 caps, two fewer than Thierry Henry. Antoine Griezmann completes the podium with 42. Michel Platini (41), Benzema (37), Davide Trezeguet (34), Zinedine Zidane (31), Jean-Pierre Papin, and Just Fontaine (30) fill out the top ten. Kylian Mbappé is on the outside looking in, having hit the net 28 times.
France coach Didier Deschamps didn’t replace the Real Madrid ace and will lean on Giroud, Marcus Thuram, and Randal Kolo Muani as no.9s. He explained his reasoning in a presser (via SportMediaset).
“With Benzema sidelined, Giroud will be the starter. He wasn’t very beloved initially, but everybody changed their mind, even those that criticized him, and I see some in this room. We and he are very happy. He’s been with us for a long time. He’s a very useful striker, and he’s important even if he doesn’t score.”
The Milan forward weighed in on Le Parisien.
“I’ve been playing with the national team for 11 years at this point. My competitive spirit pushes me to aim even higher. I’m hungry for victories and trophies. Being fit and a decisive at my age is pure bliss. I don’t set limits for myself. This may be my last games, but I don’t want to announce anything. I will play until my body tells me to stop.”
France will begin their World Cup versus Australia later today.
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