Jedinak to start against France as Luongo drops to the bench

Kazan: The veteran Socceroo captain Mile Jedinak will, after all, lead the national team when it takes on France in an hour's time in the World Cup opener in Kazan, Russia.

It was widely expected that Jedinak would be left out after playing little part in the warm up games, with coach Bert van Marwijk relying insted on the more mobile Massimo Luongo.

That was a view reinforced on Friday, when Jedinak did not front for the pre match press conference, usually a role performed by the captain.

Otherwise the team is as widely expected, with Robbie Kruse, Andrew Nabbout, Josh Risdon, Tom Rogic Aaron Mooy, Trent Sainsbury and Aziz Behich making their World Cup debuts.

Teen sensation Kylian Mbappe starts up front for France alongside Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele in a power packed forward line, with Paul Pogba in midfield.

Les Bleus are widely favoured to win this game, but Jedinak's inclusion will stiffen the Australians rearguard as he is expected to play in a deep lying midfield role.

More to come