Tchouameni ends speculation over Benzema discord as France seal World Cup progress

Aurélien Tchouameni has rejected suggestions that the France team would be more harmonious without Karim Benzema after reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Didier Deschamps' side are through to the Round of 16 at Qatar 2022 after beating Denmark in Group D, with Kylian Mbappe's brace giving Les Bleus a 2-1 win on Saturday.

The forward has delivered for his side so far in Benzema's absence, with the Ballon d'Or winner ruled out on the eve of the tournament with a thigh injury.

Some reports suggest there has been a better mood in the absence of the Real Madrid star, who sat out Russia 2018, but Tchouameni has now sought to dispel those rumours.

"I want to come back to something we saw regarding the departure of Karim," Tchouameni said of his club and international teammate.

"[Somewhere said] we feel better since he's gone.

"That's totally untrue. Even when he was there, it was already going well. We were hurt by these reports.

"What I can tell you is that since we arrived in Qatar, things have been going very well."

With two games under his belt, Tchouameni is quickly becoming an integral part of Deschamps in his side's title defense, with France also bolstered by the return of defender Raphael Varane.

The Manchester United centre-back has been nursing a problem since late October, but made his return to action with a start against Denmark.

Reflecting on his injury, Varane added: "I've come a long way. It's been a lot of work, a lot of effort to come back.

“I feel good. It is always special to play at this exceptional event. I will enjoy every moment. We will do everything to go as far as possible.”

France will conclude their Group D campaign against Tunisia on 30 November and find their round of 16 later in the day at the end of Group C.