A journalist has suggested that one Tottenham Hotspur star’s chances of making the World Cup squad depend on him turning around his situation at the North London club.
A few months ago, most would not have bet against James Maddison and Dominic Solanke making England’s World Cup squad.
However, the pair’s injury problems have put that in jeopardy, and with Maddison not likely to play again this season, he is all but out of the running to be on the plane to North America.
It has now been suggested that another experienced Spurs star, who was the top scorer for his country across 2024, may also miss out on the World Cup due to his form and fitness.
Randal Kolo Muani’s Tottenham struggles may diminish his World Cup hopes
Randal Kolo Muani was forced to pull out of the France squad last week after suffering a broken jaw against Man United.
The 26-year-old is yet to find the back of the net for the Lilywhites, and according to some reports, the Spurs striker potentially faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Journalist Harold Marchetti has now pointed out that while Kolo Muani has always been a useful squad option to have for Didier Deschamps, the striker’s World Cup prospects remain ‘fragile’ due to his struggles in North London.
Marchetti wrote in Le Parisien about the on-loan PSG man: “Not indispensable, but useful! Les Bleus’ top scorer in 2024, he has often stepped up when it mattered most. When he’s on form, he brings that extra bit of attacking spark that is so valuable.
“His difficult spell at PSG and his competition at Tottenham, particularly with Richarlison, show that his status remains fragile. But it’s precisely this aspect of being a ‘player who has to prove his worth in every match’ that makes him a valuable asset.
“[He’s] capable of breaking the deadlock and changing a match in a matter of moments. In short, Les Bleus can easily do without him. When he is there and confident, he’s a real asset.
“And for a team that likes to keep its options open, a striker capable of surprising opponents is always an asset. As your well-meaning friend suggested, I, too, would not be surprised to see him on the list next May.”
Another Spurs man may sneak into France’s World Cup squad
As Kolo Muani struggles to make an impact at Tottenham, mainly due to his injury troubles, another Frenchman is now proving his value for Thomas Frank’s side.
It has been reported over recent days that Didier Deschamps is considering handing Wilson Odobert his first senior call-up for France due to his recent form for Tottenham.
The Les Blues boss reportedly wants to inject some youthfulness into the squad ahead of the World Cup, and the 20-year-old Spurs man is said to be one of the players on his radar.