French team – List of 23 – Blues: New start, new faces?

A new start. A year and a half before Germany, three years and a little before the United States, Mexico and Canada, the great adventure of the Blues restarts this Thursday at the headquarters of the FFF. Didier Deschamps will announce the list of the lucky ones chosen to write the future of the vice-world champions. This new cycle, since that’s what it’s all about, will combine pillars, the revelations of Qatar and, that’s what’s at stake this Thursday, beginners who will embody this new breath. It must be said that if the coach did not want to turn the page, he was forced to do so by international retirements and the still numerous injuries.

For the return of the world champions in 2018, all the heroes had been invited with the exception of Steve Mandanda, injured. This time, eleven legends, essentials or essential members of the Blues group will be lacking. Four of them, and not the least, hung up and opened the list to the four winds: Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, Raphaël Varane and Karim Benzema.

First for Wesley Fofana?

Add to this the injuries of Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kanté, Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Christopher Nkunku and Ousmane Dembélé and it’s almost a very good-looking typical team that will pass its turn for the start of qualifying at the Euro. Fortunately, there will remain some vital forces for the coach.

In the goal, Alphonse Areola is the only survivor of the World but Mike Maignan, returned in time with Milan, will show off his new stripes of holder. He will be one of the individuals to scrutinize carefully during this gathering. To accompany them, three men compete for the place: Illan Meslier but especially Brice Samba and Alban Lafont. In central defense, Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, in great shape at club level, have their napkin ring assured. The absence of Varane opens the field to a new face. It could be Jean-Clair Todibo or, more surely, Wesly Fofana very convincing with Chelsea.

The Pavard case

On the right, the sector is still as damaged. Jules Koundé will be the holder and Benjamin Pavard should take advantage of his great form in Munich to override his World Cup in the shadows. The case of the Bayern defender will be one of the highlights of this Thursday as the untouchable Pavard is evolving today on the edge of this list. Asked if he was still counting on him, Didier Deschamps, last week, was clear: “Of course.“On the left, the Théo Hernandez – Eduardo Camavinga duo could settle in, especially as Ferland Mendy lacks rhythm.

In the middle, Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni will ensure continuity. But it is undoubtedly in this sector of play that there is the most room to be taken. Youssouf Fofana, Jordan Veretout and Mattéo Guendouzi have fewer certainties before the announcement. Manu Koné and Kephren Thuram are credible candidates to embody change. In front, Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Kingsley Coman and Randal Kolo Muani privatize the places. Just like Olivier Giroud who, despite his 36 years, is always hungry. So much for the international aspirants. Some will still have to wait…