体坛英语新闻：French coach Deschamps says all 23 players available for World Cup opener

KAZAN, Russia, June 15 (Xinhua) -- French head coach Didier Deschamps told press on Friday afternoon that all the 23 French players are available for their World Cup opener against Australia on Saturday.

With all the players physically and mentally really for the coming game, Deschamps said his aim is to have the most competitive and highest performing French team at this World Cup.

French, one of the favorites to win the World Cup in Russia, will head into their World Cup Group C opener in Kazan.

When talked about the injuries, Deschamps said Chelsea star Olivier Giroud is physically "fine" and will "have right protection" on his stitches for the World Cup opener and there is also no need to worry about injuries of defenders Samuel Umtiti and Djibril Sidibe.

"All the 23 players are available," Deschamps said.

During the pre-match press conference, the French coach also expressed several times that he is not worried about the youthfulness of his team.

Deschamps said many French young players already play for the giant clubs in the world.

"For many players, this is the first big tournament. We have a young group, but I do not see that as a risk. They have the quality for otherwise I hadn't selected them," the 49-year-old fromer French captain said.

On Thursday night Antoine Griezmann, the 27-year-old France forward, announced that he will stay with Atletico Madrid, bringing the months of speculation surrounding the player to an end.

With regard to Griezmann's decision, the French coach praised the player's loyalty and his attachment to the Spanish club.

"And, especially for us, that he has the free spirit for this World Cup, " said Deschamps. The French coach apparently is happy that the player can focus on the game now.

"It's certainly a very good thing for us," Deschamps added.

On the match of Saturday, Deschamps said the first match is always important. The 1998 World Cup winner said his experience is to win one match by one match and his team now needs to play in the group stage with determination.

France will also meet Peru and Denmark in the group period.