Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has declared France as favourites for the World Cup.

Wenger is backing his home nation men because of the way their backline is as good collectively as it seems individually – helped by an outstandign array of central defenders.

Wenger told wettbasis.com: “My number one favourite is France.

Not because I'm French by birth, but because this Equipe Tricolore has the best offence.

“If Didier Deschamps manages to ensure the necessary stability on the defensive, then the reigning world champion will have a good chance of successfully defending his title.

“In the past 12-15 months, the Brazilian national team has made the best impression. A very experienced side with a leader like Neymar who has been in fantastic shape for the last six months.

“Argentina will certainly also be a factor to be reckoned with. Lionel Messi will do everything to break this curse and finally become world champion."