Didier Deschamps’ France team will not be shaken up after its lackluster Euro 2024, which ended with a semi-final defeat against Spain (2-1). Only Olivier Giroud will leave the group, since the top scorer in the history of Les Bleus is retiring from international football at 37 (and is going to play for Los Angeles FC with Hugo Lloris). Kingsley Coman, 28, could put his French career aside, while Antoine Griezmann and N’Golo Kanté – both 33 – are aiming for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
It is in the goalkeeping sector that “La Dèche” could change its plans during the next Nations League (first clashes against Italy and Belgium on September 6 and 9). As indicated The TeamLucas Chevalier is highly regarded by the French staff and the Losc goalkeeper could therefore take the place of Alphonse Areola (31 years old), faithful number 3 since the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The 22-year-old goalkeeper could even compete with Brice Samba (30 years old) as Mike Maignan’s understudy.
Deschamps no surprises with the goalkeepers
Voted best goalkeeper in Ligue 1 at the UNFP Trophies, Chevalier was not released by his club for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games like his teammates Leny Yoro and Bafodé Diakité. The Dogues, now managed by Bruno Genesio, are soon playing the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League (first leg on August 6 or 7, return on August 13, draw on July 22). Participation in the most beautiful of European competitions would offer him significant exposure and he has the talent to play later in a very big European club.
However, Deschamps does not often shake up his goalkeeping hierarchy. In September 2022, he called up Alban Lafont as number 3 after Hugo Lloris suffered a muscle injury for two Nations League matches. No other goalkeeper has been included in the France squad since.