Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , football icon Emmanuel Petit has explained why France are the team to beat at the World Cup this summer.
The 1998 World Cup winner has backed France to win the tournament, assessed a potential final against England , and delivered his predictions for the clashes with Morocco and Norway .
The former Arsenal and Chelsea man has also weighed in on whether it matters that England are led by a German , backed Bradley Barcola as a perfect fit for Arsenal , and explained why PSG is an honour for Yan Diomande .
France's Path
France to the Final: Who Will They Face?
France have everything needed to win the World Cup . The game against Paraguay was like England against Mexico or Argentina against Egypt ; qualifying was very difficult. Mentally, and in terms of confidence, it's a huge bonus for the whole team.
This is the kind of game you need to win if you want to go until the end. When you win ugly against a team that didn't play football and tried to play MMA on the pitch, but you still have the quality to go through, it says a lot. France , England , and Spain are the teams to beat. Those teams must not be happy thinking they might have to face France . France will win it.
Who Wins a Final Between France and England?
Every time we played against England recently, we struggled. When we won 2-1, England were better than France , but we won it. It is very difficult to predict that game.
I believe in our weapons up front. We have quality in the back and midfield, but our strikers are unbelievable and can break any defence.
World Cup Predictios
How Would You Feel if England Won Under a German?
England having a German manager? If they win the World Cup , they won't care who the manager is. They will celebrate in the streets. To me, this is not important.
I understand that for some countries it's really important, but if you win, that is exactly what you ask of the manager. He would probably be the first German person to get a knighthood.
France vs Morocco Prediction?
It will be a difficult game for France . Morocco will drop back as a unit, but they have quality in transition with fast, technical players. We have to be very careful. France has enough quality to beat them. I expect a fight on the pitch, especially Achraf Hakimi against Barcola or Doue , they know each other well from PSG .
It is special because many are friends in life. However, France has all the weapons needed to score against any team, whether through transition, individual brilliance, or build-up play. France will win it. I would say 3-1.
England vs Norway Prediction?
Everyone in England knows Erling Haaland very well. It will be interesting to see how Marc Guehi behaves against him. Even if you try to cut the link between Haaland and the rest of the team, he only needs one ball to score.
I'm impressed with Norway 's possession and clear ideas, but England has more quality. The way they qualified against Mexico gave them the belief they needed. When you win ugly games and show character under pressure, it builds confidence. If they stick together, England will win against Norway .
Norway is hard to break down, but I don't see them closing the door entirely. They might play on the counter with Haaland , but it will be difficult to resist the pressure. All the talk is about stopping Haaland , but I also have a question for the Norwegian players: how are you going to stop Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham ? I can see it being 2-1.
Barcola to Arsenal
Could Diomande to PSG Help Arsenal Sign Barcola?
Bradley Barcola is doing well at PSG and with the national team. If PSG add another player in that position, is it because they are unhappy with Barcola ? I don't think so. Nor would they remove Kvaratskhelia from the starting eleven.
Barcola played many games last season. Goncalo Ramos , for example, was sold to AC Milan because he was always a substitute. Barcola is different. If they bring in Diomande , I don't think he is better than Barcola . Maybe Barcola wants to leave, or PSG wants to sell him, but I don't see why you bring in another left winger when you have two very good ones.
Maybe they know something we don't know. Maybe Barcola does want to leave, and if that's the case, I would love to see Barcola at Arsenal . He is the type of player that they really need.
PSG
Is Picking PSG Over Liverpool a No-Brainer for Diomande?
Is picking PSG over Liverpool a no-brainer for Yan Diomande ? If you are targeted by PSG , it is an honour. They play great football, and players improve individually there. You have a guarantee of winning trophies and competing for the best prizes. Plus, you get to live in Paris !
The way they have transformed the club over the last two seasons has been amazing. When players look at PSG now, they see a team that plays great football and shares a common mentality. If I were linked with PSG , I would think strongly about joining them. They play great football. They love what they're doing all together. They speak the same language, which is very rare to get that kind of mentality. So yes, if I'm linked with Paris Saint-Germain , you will consider it. As will Diomande .
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