The French football team makes its big comeback in September for the Nations League.
After a long three-month break following the end of the Euro and a summer punctuated in particular by a brilliant Paris 2024 Olympic Games for the French U21 team, in silver after its defeat against Spain in the semi-final, the French U21 team Didier Deschamps is returning to competition with the new season of the Nations League. The vice-world champions will face Italy on September 6 at the Parc des Princes, then Belgium, their opponent in the round of 16 of the last Euro, on September 9 in Lyon. Les Bleus will have to finish in one of the first two places in Group 2, which also includes Israel, to play in the quarter-finals (first leg on March 20, 2025, return leg on March 25, 2025).
The list
- Guardians: Mike MaignanBrice Samba and Alphonse Areola
- Defenders: William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate, Dayot UpamecanoJules Kounde, Theo HernandezFerland Mendy, Ferland Mendy, Wesley Fofana.
- Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana, N’Golo Kanté, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaire-EmeryManu Koné.
- Forwards: Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Antoine Griezmann.
15:55 – Deschamps not worried about Mbappé
“I spoke with Kylian. There is still this problem of the calendar, it is not getting better. The season is going to be very long, the coaches in the club are obliged to manage the players. He has only played 3 matches, it is a new club, he scored… There are automatisms to find, it does not happen with the snap of a finger. There is a higher requirement over there, he knows why, it is his choice. He has everything to make it go very well” said the coach.
15:05 – On the choice of Manu Koné
“We have been following him for a while, before he was with Titi (Henry). He has a capacity in volume, aggressiveness, use of the ball, he is one of the players who will be led to change clubs between now and Friday” explained Didier Deschamps.
14:43 – Pavard absent: “Nothing definitive”
“There is nothing definitive, radical, I will be brought through the gatherings until the end of 2024 to be able to change, to oxygenate a little. Everything will depend on one and the other, he has a yield with his club, it is true that there is competition too.”
14:23 – “Logic” for Olise
“Michael has done some great things with Thierry Henry’s selection. He is an important element for the Espoirs. He has proven himself on the pitch, it is logical that he comes with us. He has a broad background” said Deschamps at a press conference.
14:17 – Absentees
Benjamin PavardKingsley Coman or Adrien Rabiot are not in this new list from Didier Deschamps. Strong choices for the first two, more complicated for Rabiot who is without a club. “Adrien does not have a club. He still has time, a little, not much… The sooner the better, he is not active, he has requests, I spoke with him. I hope that by the next gathering he will have a place to fall back on. Benjamin, Kingsley is punctual, I do not have radical positions. We find ourselves with quite a few midfielders absent with Adri, Cama, Khephren (Thuram) who is injured.”
14:05 – The list
Here is Deschamps’ list for the first matches of the League of Nations :
- Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba
- Defenders: Jonathan Clauss, Theo HernandezIbrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Ferland Mendy, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot UpamecanoWesley Fofana
- Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana, N’Golo Kanté, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaire-EmeryManu Koné.
- Forwards: Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Antoine Griezmann.
13:35 – The list in a few minutes
Didier Deschamps is expected at 2 p.m. at the Federation headquarters to unveil his list, followed by a short press conference where the coach will explain his choices.
13:00 – Pavard dismissed?
Benjamin Pavard, a starter with Inter, did not play a single minute during the Euro and could leave his place in the French team squad. Axel Disasi, back from injury, is announced in his place while Saliba, Upamecano and Konaté are indisputable.
12:21 – Malo Gusto on the side?
Former OL defender and current Chelsea player Malo Gusto should be called up by Didier Deschamps on the right side. Jonathan Clauss might not be called up by the Blues coach.
11:50 – Nkunku still right?
Back in competition and a goalscorer, Christopher Nkunku has a profile that appeals to Didier Deschamps because he can play anywhere. However, the Chelsea striker could be considered too weak.
11:00 – Olise called?
It’s almost certain. Barring any last-minute setbacks, Michael Olise will be called up to the French team for the first time. The Bayern striker impressed everyone during the Olympics and should be rewarded.
10:20 – Deschamps’ latest list
For the Euro, Didier Deschamps had placed his trust in these players. Overall, the list should not include any major changes, but some players will obviously be absent, such as Olivier Giroud.
- Goalkeepers: Areola, Maignan, Samba
- Defenders: Koundé, Clauss, Pavard, Konaté, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez, F. Mendy
- Midfielders: Camavinga, Fofana, Rabiot, Zaire-Emery, Tchouaméni, Griezmann, Kanté
- Forwards: Dembélé, Giroud, Kolo Muani, Mbappé, Thuram, Coman, Barcola
09:35 – What are the next matches of the Blues?
After a long three-month break, Didier Deschamps’ French team will make its big return to competition with the new season of the Nations League. The vice-world champions will face Italy on September 6 at the Parc des Princes, then Belgium, its opponent in the round of 16 of the last Euro, on September 9 in Lyon. Les Bleus will have to finish in one of the top two places in Group 2, which also includes Israel, to play in the quarter-finals (first leg on March 20, 2025, return leg on March 25, 2025).