Didier Deschamps will unveil his list this Thursday for the meetings against Ireland and Germany in September. Le Figaro reveals the latest trends.
Back-to-school time has (soon) come for the France team. Didier Deschamps will not change his habits by listing this Thursday at 2 p.m. at the headquarters of the French football federation the 23 names of the players selected for the September meeting. On the program, two meetings. Against Ireland on September 8 at the Parc des Princes (on the eve of France-New Zealand at the opening of the Rugby World Cup at the Stade de France) as part of the Euro 2024 qualifiers (June 14-14 July) and against Germany in Dortmund on the 12th in a friendly.
Largely at the top of Group B after four victories in as many games, the vice-world champions would take a real option for qualification for the Euro in the event of success against the Irish in an expected sold-out Parc des Princes. To fulfill this objective, Deschamps will trust a large majority of the group glimpsed last June against Gibraltar (3-0) and Greece (1-0). Only Wesley Fofana (knee) and Christopher Nkunku (knee), long-term injured with Chelsea, are already out.
Big comeback from Lucas Hernandez
Among the goalkeepers, Maignan, Samba and Areola will be there. In defense, Pavard, recently transferred to Inter Milan, and Koundé are starters on the right. Just like Upamecano, Konaté, Disasi and Lucas Hernandez, back for the first time in the group after his withdrawal from the World Cup in the first match against Australia. Holder at Paris SG (in the position of left side) since the start of the season, the former Munich resident will find his place as a manager in the locker room of the Blues. By his profile, his experience and his status within the group, he remains essential when his physical glitches leave him alone.
A reflection took place on Kanté, Pogba deemed too fair
It is in the midfield sector that the announcement of the list will not lack interest this Thursday. According to our information, the staff of the France team has considered recalling N’Golo Kanté. The 2018 world champion, who is playing in Saudi Arabia at Al-Ittihad, has just had four games and remains followed with great attention. In the mind of the coach, Kanté (whose last selection dates back to June 2022), if he is 100%, even while playing in the Saudi League, brings more certainty than certain elements present in previous lists. But his return still seems a little early. The case of “NG” remained at the center of the debates on Wednesday within the French staff, but even if he should not be summoned this time, the fact that his profile is still on Deschamps’ radars means a lot of things.
For his part Paul Pogba, also always observed, will not be called by Deschamps in September. Returning to competition with Juventus, the Turinese must chain the meetings over time before being summoned again to Clairefontaine. For the rest, Griezmann, Rabiot, Tchouaméni and Camavinga will be faithful to the position in a game sector more than ever provided and of high quality. Fofana should also be there.
Ben Yedder, it’s not
In attack, there is no doubt about the presence of Captain Mbappé and his disciples Giroud, Coman, Dembélé and Kolo Muani. We should also find Marcus Thuram, while Moussa Diaby could replace Christopher Nkunku, injured with Chelsea. Wissam Ben Yedder, attractive and efficient with AS Monaco (4 goals in 3 matches) despite being indicted for rape, will not be recalled by Deschamps.
