Football: Deschamps announces surprising French national team selection

Didier Deschamps, France's national coach, has just shared his selection for the next two matches of 'Les Bleus' with the world. An overview.

© Aaron Chown/PA/Photo News

The qualifying matches for Euro 2024 are just around the corner. We still have to wait until Friday for the first selection of our compatriots, although Deschamps has already made his choice - and just announced it to the press. These are the players who will be in action against the Netherlands and Ireland:

Attackers: Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Marcus Thuram, Kingsley Coman, Olivier Giroud, Moussa Diaby and Randal Kolo-Muani

Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana, Adrien Rabiot, Khéphren Thuram, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jordan Veretout

Defenders: Théo Hernandez, Edouardo Camavinga, Wesley Fofana, Jules Koundé, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano

Goalkeepers: Alphonse Aréola, Mike Maignan and Brice Samba

Four out, three in

As you can see, four big names (Steve Mandanda, Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane and Karim Benzema) are missing. They will no longer play international matches and will be replaced by Thuram (Nice), Samba (Lens) and Fofana (Chelsea). Veteran Olivier Giroud, 36 meanwhile, remains on the team for the time being.

By the way, France is in Group B, with the Netherlands and Ireland, but also Gibraltar and Greece. The goal, of course, is to play the grand final in Germany... And win.

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