The 78 goals that France have left out of their World Cup squad

Every country's World Cup squad was always going to generate debate one way or another and in Didier Deschamps' case, there is plenty to discuss.

However, the stats speak for themselves, with the absence of the aformentioned quarted depriving 'Les Blues' of a significant goal threat.

It was well known that Benzema would not be involved due to off-field problems, but nevertheless, his contribution of 11 goals and 10 assists as 'Los Blancos' once again made the Champions League final shows why he continues to hold the full faith of Zinedine Zidane.

With Deschamps opting for speed and youth in attack, there was no room for Ribery's considerable experience, despite the 35-year-old continuing to be an important player for a Bayern Munich side that still harbours dreams of a treble, having contributed six goals and five assists this season.

The main problem facing Gameiro appears to have been his lack of regular action, with the former Sevilla man having started just 11 La Liga games this season. The arrival of Diego Costa pushed the 31-year-old down the pecking order at the Wanda Metropolitano, though his tally of 11 goal and four assists in all competitions is still respectable.

By far the biggest miss for France though is Payet, who was injured in Marseille's Europea League final defeat to Atletico Madrid. The former West Ham playmaker has had a sensational campaign, scoring 10 goals and laying on a further 21 in 48 games in all competitions.

Whilst there is still plenty of talent in the France squad, there is also plenty left at home.