France’s national team boss Didier Deschamps is expected to call up several new players for the first time next week. According to a report from Téléfoot, Lens’ goalkeeper Brice Samba is set to become Les Bleus new n°2 goalie, with AC Milan’s Mike Maignan to replace retiree Hugo Lloris as the undisputed starter between the sticks. Leeds’ Illan Meslier is expected to feature for the France U21 side for the upcoming international break.
In defence, Deschamps will be without PSG centre-back Presnel Kimpembe, who sustained a season-ending Achilles’ tear while Raphaël Varane has, like Lloris, Steve Mandanda and Karim Benzema, announced his international retirement. According to Téléfoot, Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo are reportedly “shoulder to shoulder” over a call-up for Deschamps’ squad.
The former Barcelona defender has received a preliminary call-up, according to Nice-Matin. Téléfoot reports that Deschamps is expected to name on Thursday a squad largely composed of players who featured in the 2022 World Cup. Les Bleus begin their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign by hosting The Netherlands at the Stade de France on March 24th, before travelling to Dublin to face Ireland three days later.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
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