Micah Richards has changed his World Cup prediction, now declaring France as his favourites after their dominant 4-1 victory over Norway in the group stage. The former England defender, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, admitted that France's ability to raise their tempo and counterattack with electric pace sets them apart from other teams.
France, winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, scored ten goals in their first three matches, including wins against Senegal and Iraq. Against a rotated Norway side, Ousmane Dembele scored a first-half hat-trick, becoming the first player since 1994 to achieve that feat in a World Cup match. Kylian Mbappe provided two assists, while Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue combined for the fourth goal in stoppage time.
Richards Explains Switch from Spain to France
Richards had initially backed reigning European champions Spain as his pre-tournament favourites, but he now finds it hard to look past France. 'I said Spain would win the World Cup, but I’m telling you now, France,' he said. 'I don’t know what it is about them, but when the tempo needs to be risen a little bit, their electric pace on the counterattack, I’ve not seen that at the tournament.'
He compared France to other strong teams: 'I’ve seen teams play well, I’ve seen teams be organised, in the low-block. Argentina are playing for Messi, Morocco look strong, England looked really good against Croatia in that second, but a team that can turn it on – I’ve not seen a team like France. So I think they are now my favourites.'
Dembele's Hat-Trick and Versatility Praised
Richards also lauded Dembele's performance, noting his improved finishing and versatility. 'I think at PSG he is looked after a lot more in terms of the minutes,' Richards added. 'He was sort of rested throughout the first part and then was able to have this form around the end of the season, took that into the Champions League, and he just looks fresh.'
'But what I like most about Dembele is how versatile he is. You can put him on the left, on the right, in the hole and you can put him up front as well. To be able to do that is just astonishing. To get to the next level, he had to sort out his finishing and he’s now got the composure, and he can use both feet.'
Richards also highlighted the partnership with Mbappe: 'And what makes it even greater is he’s playing with someone who is the talisman in Kylian Mbappe. He is the go-to man whom everyone looks up to and he’s the one to take this French team forward. But Dembele is someone who is so selfless but can do everything at the same time.'
Owen Also Backs France
Former England striker Michael Owen also tipped France as favourites before the tournament, saying: 'I think France individually are the best team. When you look at their players, they’re miles better than anybody else in terms of individuals. If they play as a team and they’re the best team and probably the likeliest winners.'
France will face Sweden in the round of 32 on June 30 in New York, with a potential last-16 clash against Germany awaiting them.
