Dissent within France’s World Cup squad was laid bare this week, with an embarrassing 1-0 loss to China in their final warm-up game, and numerous players revealing the extent of the squad’s troubles.

Defender William Gallas has announced a self-imposed media black-out during the tournament, in protest at being overlooked for the captaincy by unpopular coach Raymond Domenech.

Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra was made captain for France’s final warm-up matches, replacing regular skipper Thierry Henry.

 

A French squad spokesman said: “William has decided not to speak with the media throughout the World Cup.”

Henry may start the finals as a substitute - another source of division between Domenech and senior players.

Chelsea’s Florent Malouda admitted that the squad “had a lot of problems to fix.”

“When there is tension, you need people to say ‘I will take responsibility.’”

And he added, tellingly: “The manager does not necessarily have all the answers. That is what experienced players are in the squad for.”

Unfortunately, the experienced players are creating the fuss.

Lyon’s Jeremy Toulalan tried to diffuse matters, saying: “You don’t have to be the best friends in the world to play with somebody.” For France, this is just as well.