Chimbonda resigned to France fate

Chimbonda moved to Wigan from Bastia at the start of the season

Wigan's Pascal Chimbonda believes he will miss out on his dream of representing France at the World Cup.

The full-back, 27, was included in the Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year but fears it is now too late to claim a place in the squad.

Chimbonda said: "I have not given up hope. The window is still open.

"But I am sure the manager has made up his mind on the 23 he is going to take, so I don't think winning this award will make that much of a difference."

Chimbonda held off competition from Manchester United's Gary Neville and Steve Finnan of Liverpool to win his spot in a team that included compatriot Thierry Henry.

But while the Arsenal striker is a definite for Raymond Domenech's squad, Chimbonda remains realistic regarding his chances despite an excellent first season in English football.

"The manager tends to look at the bigger players at the bigger clubs," he added.

"Maybe he didn't think Wigan would do as well as they have. So in that respect it will hardly be a surprise if I don't make it.

"But it's such a big honour. To make it into the PFA team means it has been a fantastic season, with a lot of pleasure derived from the fact the team have stayed up.

"To do so well has been a massive surprise. I was expecting a battle against relegation, so the way the season has gone, it has been far beyond my expectations."