In pre-tournament friendlies, France lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast, with Gusto coming on at the hour mark as the team experimented with options. The defeat raises questions for Didier Deschamps about the preferred right-back, as Gusto seeks to secure a place in the World Cup starting XI. Chelsea teammates Nicolas Jackson and Mamadou Sarr are set to feature in group-stage dynamics, including a potential group-stage clash between Gusto and Jackson/Sarr.
Chelsea defenders also shaping national-team plans include Marc Cucurella likely to start for Spain, though his club future may be uncertain. Jorrel Hato, linked with the Netherlands, is another Chelsea defender aiming to impress at the World Cup. These dynamics highlight Chelsea’s growing influence as multiple players gear up for international duty.
Key takeaways:
– Malo Gusto is vying for France’s right-back slot amid pre-World Cup friendlies.
– France’s 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast sparked debate over starting selections, with Gusto featuring as a substitute.
– Chelsea defenders, including Nicolas Jackson, Mamadou Sarr, Marc Cucurella, and Jorrel Hato, are integral to their nations’ World Cup plans.
