Henry Backs France as World Cup Favourites, Eyes England and Spain Among Contenders

Thierry Henry has backed France to claim World Cup glory, citing the nation's recent pedigree and squad quality as the decisive factors in their bid for the trophy.

The former Arsenal striker, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, sees his homeland as the standout favourite following their runners-up finish in Qatar two years ago and their 2018 triumph over Croatia. Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Henry outlined his thinking: "I see France as the top contender – partly because I'm French, but also because we've reached the last two finals. We have a strong team."

Beyond France, Henry identifies four other nations capable of mounting serious challenges. England, Spain, Argentina, and Portugal all feature prominently in his assessment as "promising candidates" for the tournament.

However, the 48-year-old also believes outsiders could spring surprises. Norway and Senegal are mentioned as potential dark horses capable of disrupting the established order.

Notably absent from Henry's calculations are Brazil, the competition's most decorated side with five titles, and Germany – the second-most successful outfit with four championships. On the Germans, Henry expressed reservations about their current standing: "I'm waiting for them to rediscover their best form. Germany has qualified, and that's the most important thing. Sometimes you can even play better with less pressure. In any case, I wish Julian Nagelsmann and his team all the best – unless they play against France."

Squad Depth the Secret Weapon

When asked to identify France's greatest strength, Henry pinpointed an area often overlooked in casual discussion. "On the bench," he replied. "It sounds simple, but squad depth is crucial. If your substitutes are on par with the starting eleven, it's a huge advantage, especially in such a long tournament after an intense season."

Didier Deschamps, preparing for his fourth World Cup as France manager, has adopted a similarly forward-looking approach to the tournament. Speaking to FIFA, the coach stressed his refusal to dwell on past glories, despite his remarkable record in the role.

"I only ever think about today and tomorrow; that's just how I am," Deschamps explained. "Honestly, nothing else matters. I'm focused on what lies ahead. What happened in 1998 and 2018 will always stay with me, but nothing can change the past. What matters now is what we do next."

The 57-year-old acknowledged the unique status that World Cup success brings to a manager's legacy. "I've been lucky enough to win trophies at club level, the Champions League, and so on, but nothing beats being a world champion. Your name stays the same, but two words are added forever: world champion. Both experiences were truly magical."