Olivier Giroud reveals how France will cope at World Cup without Paul Pogba

Olivir Giroud isn't worried about France lacking leadership at the World Cup without a senior figure like Paul Pogba.

Les Bleus head into the tournament aiming to retain their title but will have to defend it without some key players.

Pogba and N'Golo Kante were both crucial to their triumph in 2018 but will be absent this time around due to injury.

The former was important to the group not only on the pitch but off it too, becoming one of the leaders of the squad.

That being said, Giroud isn't concerned there will be a lack of leadership without the Juventus man, confident others will step up to the plate.

"Paul Pogba will be sorely missed through the World Cup but it is not just him, I am thinking of N'Golo Kante and Christopher Nkunku too," Giroud said on the eve of the tournament.

"We are thinking of them and will hopefully make them proud. Paul takes a lot of space in the team with his personality and charisma but there are other leaders who will emerge.

"I have my role as a big brother for the younger players to be available to them and to speak when it is needed and to motivate the team and keep them together."

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Giroud will become France's all-time top scorer in Qatar if he scores three goals. Thierry Henry is the current record holder.

"I have this target and bonus in my head to beat Thierry but the main goal of the team is to go as far as we can in the competition," he added.