Franck Leboeuf urges William Saliba to improve France World Cup displays, saying the Arsenal star must match his club form for Les Bleus

Former France international and 1998 World Cup winner Franck Leboeuf has urged Arsenal defender William Saliba to raise his performances for the national team, insisting the centre-back must replicate his commanding club form on the international stage ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Also read: Dias Hails Portugal vs Nigeria Friendly Boost as Crucial

Leboeuf made the remarks in an interview with Get French Football News, where he assessed Saliba’s recent displays for Les Bleus.

The Arsenal star has been widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders, but questions continue to surface over his consistency in France colours.

The World Cup-winning defender said Saliba appears more restrained when playing for France, suggesting the 25-year-old has yet to fully express the confidence and authority that define his performances for Arsenal.

Leboeuf stressed that this perceived hesitation must be addressed if France are to maximise their defensive strength.

Despite the criticism, Leboeuf was careful to praise Saliba’s quality, describing him as an “outstanding defender” with the technical and physical tools to dominate at international level. He noted that the issue is not ability, but mentality and self-expression within Didier Deschamps’ squad.

France are currently intensifying preparations for the 2026 World Cup, where expectations remain high following their recent dominance in international football.

With defensive selection competition increasing, Saliba’s role remains under scrutiny as the coaching team evaluates combinations ahead of the tournament.

Also read: Dias Hails Portugal vs Nigeria Friendly Boost as Crucial

Leboeuf concluded that unlocking Saliba’s full potential in the national team setup could significantly strengthen France’s title ambitions, as they aim to secure another World Cup triumph on the global stage.