Arsenal and Liverpool target could start World Cup final in stunning last minute tactical change

France boss Didier Deschamps could make a surprise tactical switch for the World Cup final against Argentina, according to reports.

Deschamps has fielded the same starting XI throughout the knockout stages where possible, with his only changes being enforced.

Ibrahima Konate and Youssouf Fofana replaced Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano for the semi-final over Morocco, with both players ruled out due to illness.

And illness has struck the France camp again before the final, with Kingsley Coman and Raphael Varane also contracting the unidentified virus, as per reports.

But France were handed a major boost on the eve of the showpiece game, with Varane spotted in training with the rest of the group. The Manchester United star has started every game during the tournament, except the opening group stage clash against Australia.

As per new reports, Les Bleus' forward line could see a major change for the final.

France could make World Cup final change

According to French outlet RMC Sport, Deschamps fielded reported Arsenal and Liverpool target Marcus Thuram on the left wing during France's final training session ahead of the final. The 25-year-old featured on the left side during the 2-0 win over Morocco, in which he played 26 minutes.

It is claimed that Kylian Mbappe played in the centre forward role in the session. If replicated for a match situation, it would potentially mean no space in the team for Olivier Giroud, who is France's top goalscorer.

Since then, however, reports have said that Giroud is a doubt for the final having picked up a knock, which could well have prompted the change in Deschamps' thinking.

L'Equipe say that Thuram was also tested as a striker during training sessions, meaning it may not be out of question that he replaces Giroud as part of a straight swap for the showpiece event if the AC Milan star is unable to start.

Karim Benzema is also theoretically an option, despite being injured throughout the tournament. That is because Deschamps did not replace him in the squad. But the Real Madrid star is back in Spain, according to Marca, and has reportedly rejected an offer to travel to the final on French president Emmanuel Macron's private plane.