The hour has struck. Holders of the title, the French team will defend their status as world champions in Qatar. A difficult challenge for the men of Didier Deschamps. Even before the announcement of the list, the Blues knew that they would have to compose without several executives such as Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté. Big hard hits.
To this were added the uncertainties concerning the state of form of other key elements of the selection such as Raphaël Varane, Karim Benzema, Presnel Kimpembe, Jules Koundé or Lucas Hernandez. Victims of physical glitches, these players have long cast doubt. Nevertheless, the national coach can count on them. As he traditionally does, DD announced his group at the microphone of the 8 p.m. news from TF1.
No Maignan or Ben Yedder
As expected, the Bayonnais did not reserve Randal Kolo Muani type surprises. As also announced by several media since this afternoon, the Marseillais Jonathan Clauss will not make the trip to Qatar. Just like Mike Maignan, probably considered too short physically after his injury and his calf relapse.
The rest is classic. The three goalkeepers selected are the same as in Russia in 2018. In defense, despite very average performances in blue, Dayot Upamecano is there. Just like Ibrahima Konaté, yet long injured with Liverpool. Finally, no Ferland Mendy, nor Lucas Digne either. In the middle, the Phocaeans Mattéo Guendouzi and Jordan Veretout take advantage of the absences of Pogba and Kanté to make the trip. No real surprises in attack either, apart from the absence of a regularly summoned member, the Monegasque Wissam Ben Yedder. Finally, unlike the 2018 list, no list of reservists has been announced.
The list of Blues
Guardians: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Stade Rennais), Alphonse Areola (West Ham)
Defenders: Raphaël Varane (Manchester United), Presnel Kimpembe (PSG), Théo Hernandez (AC Milan), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
Environments : Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Mattéo Guendouzi (OM), Jordan Veretout (OM), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
Forwards: Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Ousmane Dembele (FC Barcelona), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig) and Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich).
???????? ???????????????????? of the 2️⃣5️⃣ Blues selected for
???????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????? ????#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/RpQ0ddN3he— Team France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 9, 2022
:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/ERIN7HTSWFF3HFZJSAFMFJCDN4)
