Gary Lineker has declared France as the clear favourites to capture the World Cup crown, asserting that no manager in international football is better equipped to lift the trophy than Didier Deschamps. The former England striker lauded the leadership qualities of the Les Bleus boss while simultaneously criticising FIFA for its contentious stance on a French team tribute.

Deschamps praised as the ultimate leader

Lineker has placed immense faith in France as the tournament advances, identifying the reigning champions from 2018 as the team to beat. Speaking to L’Equipe, the former striker turned broadcaster emphasised that Deschamps’ commanding presence on the sidelines – having taken charge in July 2012, guiding France to both the 2018 World Cup title and the final four years later – gives the French side a decisive advantage unmatched by any other nation.

“France is not only among the favourites, but the favourite,” Lineker stated. “I don’t see anyone better qualified than Deschamps to know how to win this competition. After all, he’s a coach who has already won a World Cup and then led his team to another final. He seems to be a truly great leader.”

Lineker hits out at FIFA over black armband dispute

Despite his admiration for the French setup, Lineker expressed strong disapproval towards FIFA after reports emerged that the governing body had prevented the French team from wearing black armbands in memory of Deschamps’ late mother. The players had intended to honour her during their 4-1 win over Norway on Friday – a match Deschamps missed to attend her funeral. The coach later returned to Boston on Saturday to rejoin his squad.

Lineker did not mince words, labelling FIFA’s decision as insensitive given the personal loss Deschamps had suffered. “The loss of his mother is a tragedy, it’s really sad, and I still can’t believe that FIFA didn’t allow the players to wear a black armband. But that’s another matter…” he remarked.

Germany labelled as ‘weaker’ opponents

In marked contrast to his praise for Les Bleus, Lineker delivered a blunt assessment of Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany. Although the four-time World Cup winners topped their group despite a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in the final round, the 1986 Golden Boot winner believes this iteration of the German team – now set to face Paraguay in the round of 32 – is a pale version of its former self and unlikely to challenge the elite contenders.

“I think it’s one of the weakest German national teams I’ve ever seen,” Lineker commented, referencing their disappointing performances in recent major tournaments. “It’s not the strongest German team. Remember, they didn’t even get out of the group stage in the last two World Cups.” His remarks imply that Germany no longer instils the same fear factor it once did on the global stage.

Confident outlook for Les Bleus

As the knockout phase approaches, Lineker remains confident that France will cruise through the competition. The French side advanced with a flawless nine points, earning victories against Senegal (3-1), Iraq (3-0), and Norway (4-1). Their campaign has been fuelled by the outstanding form of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, both of whom have scored four goals apiece. With such depth and momentum, Lineker believes Deschamps’ squad is almost unstoppable, regardless of their next opponents.

“France can reach the quarter-finals without any issue. So, I think you can rest easy,” Lineker concluded, reassuring French supporters of their team’s supremacy. With stars like Mbappe and Dembele spearheading the charge, he sees little standing between Les Bleus and the addition of a third star to their iconic jersey.