Lineker: Deschamps best qualified to win World Cup, slams FIFA over armbands

Gary Lineker named France the outright favourite to win the World Cup, saying no manager in international football is better suited to lifting the trophy than Didier Deschamps. Lineker highlighted Deschamps' touchline presence, noting he took charge in July 2012, led France to the 2018 World Cup title and to the final four years later.

"France is not only among the favourites, but the favourite," Lineker said. "I don't see anyone better qualified than Deschamps to know how to win this competition. After all, he is a coach who has won a World Cup and then led his team to a second final. He appears to be a truly great leader." Lineker criticised FIFA after the governing body reportedly blocked France from wearing black armbands to pay tribute to Deschamps' mother, who recently passed away.

The players had hoped to mark her memory during the 4-1 victory over Norway, a match Deschamps missed to attend the funeral; he flew back to Boston on Saturday and has since reunited with the squad.

France, Boston

didier deschamps, gary lineker, france, world cup, fifa, black armbands, tribute, norway, boston, funeral