Former France international Frank Leboeuf has said that midfielder N'Golo Kante will be key if Les Bleus are to win the World Cup this summer.

Kante featured in France's 2-1 win over Australia on Saturday as Didier Deschamps's side got off to the perfect start in Russia with goals from Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba.

Leboeuf, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, said that he is a "huge admirer" of Chelsea midfielder Kante.

"If N'Golo is in top form, we might be able to cause a surprise and win the World Cup again," the former player said. "I hope that they do that and I wish for him that he does that because he deserves credit for the way he works.

"I hope that they do that and I wish for him that he does that because he deserves credit for the way he works. I am a huge admirer of N'Golo. Nobody can hate that guy. You will always love that guy, even if he scores against you. He is always smiling, always nice.

"He is a shy guy with a real talent and knows how to think about football. He anticipates a lot, is very clever and is a tough guy at the same time. He is the perfect partner, he is the guy that can commit to what you want and what you think. He is ready to go to war for you."

France's next game is against Peru on Thursday.