Mondial-2022: Deschamps does without Giroud and summons four new to the France team

Published on : 08/26/2021 – 14:54

After the elimination against Switzerland in the round of 16 of Euro-2021 on June 28, the France team returns on September 1 against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Strasbourg, on September 4 in Ukraine, and on September 7 September in Lyon against Finland. Didier Deschamps communicated, Thursday, August 26, the list of players summoned for these three qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup.

The coach has changed part of his workforce compared to the 23 Blues who played for the Euro. The most important choice takes place in the attack line: Olivier Giroud, 34, second highest scorer in the history of the France team (46 goals in 110 caps, behind Thierry Henry and his 51 goals in 123 caps ), is not retained.

“Simply a sporting choice of the moment”

Little used during the Euro with only two entries into play (23 minutes against Hungary, 34 minutes against Switzerland), helmed by the trio Mbappé-Benzema-Griezmann, the new center-forward of AC Milan n ‘ not in the plans of Didier Deschamps in September. “It is simply a sporting choice of the moment, compared to a list of 23 and the competition”, justified the technician, who does not however close the door to the player. “It is up to Olivier to continue to perform well, he is always available,” he said.

The coach calls on four new players. In defense, Théo Hernandez, of AC Milan, receives his first call-up. His brother Lucas (Bayern Munich), international since 2018, is absent, recovering after a left knee operation. Midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni (AS Monaco) and Jordan Veretout (AS Rome) are also selected. The latest newcomer is striker Moussa Diaby (Bayer 04 Leverkusen).

Besides Olivier Giroud, Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Clément Lenglet (FC Barcelona), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Tottenham), Wissam Ben Yedder (AS Monaco), Marcus Thuram (Borussia Mönchengladbach) and Ousmane Dembélé (FC Barcelona) ) are the other players present at Euro-2021 to be absent from the list for the September matches.

The 23 Blues:

Guardians : Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Steve Mandanda (Olympique de Marseille)

Defenders : Lucas Digne (Everton), Léo Dubois (Olympique Lyonnais), Théo Hernandez (AC Milan), Presnel Kimpembe (PSG), Jules Koundé (Sevilla FC), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Raphaël Varane (Manchester United), Kurt Zouma (Chelsea)

Environments : N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Aurélien Tchouaméni (AS Monaco), Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich), Jordan Veretout (AS Rome)

Forwards : Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen), Antoine Griezmann (FC Barcelona), Thomas Lemar (Atlético de Madrid), Anthony Martial (Manchester United), Kylian Mbappé (PSG)