Bailey Wright is desperate for the opportunity to try and shackle Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema when Australia kick-off their World Cup campaign against defending champions France.

The Sunderland defender is one of five centre-halves in the Australia squad in Qatar so knows competition for places is fierce.

But after a run of games in the Sunderland team before flying out to Qatar, Wright says he's ready and is desperately hoping he gets the nod next Tuesday.

READ MORE: Wright on Sunderland pride, honest Mowbray talks & extra training

Club boss Tony Mowbray has repeatedly hailed Wright's attitude this year and says the 30-year-old is an integral character in the dressing room.

And Wright says even if he doesn't start for Australia, he'll still be a crucial squad member.

"Every single one of us, in every position, are fighting for that shirt against France," said Wright.

"We have a real healthy competition. We're all mates. We all push each other. And we all want that shirt."

Wright only played in two of Australia's 18 qualifiers for the World Cup but was named in Graham Arnold's team for the play-off game against Peru.

The fact he's been back in the Sunderland team of late can only help his cause as well.

Wright said: "Arnie (Arnold) and the coaching staff know what I can bring to the table.

"I hope it's enough. If it's not, I'm here to play my part in the team - (I'm) not going to throw my toys out the pram.

"I am here to represent my country in numerous ways."

When he was out of the Sunderland team earlier in the season, determined Wright committed to extra running and training to make sure he was ready when an opportunity - for club and country - presented itself.

He says: "When you're running after games, ultimately you're running for your country.

"You're running for that opportunity, to make sure you're ready."

After their opener against France next Tuesday, Australia take on Tunisia on Saturday, November 26 (10am) before their final group game against Denmark on Wednesday, November 30 (3pm).

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