This Thursday, August 29, all eyes will be on Monaco where the draw for the brand new Champions League will take place at 6 p.m. But at 2 p.m., French fans will have an ear on the announcement of Didier Deschamps’ first list after Euro 2024. Reinforced in his duties, the coach, whose contract runs until 2026, must now prepare for the Nations League. As a reminder, the French team must face Italy on Friday, September 6 at the Parc des Princes, before taking on Belgium three days later in Lyon.
Which players will be called up by DD? Unsurprisingly, there should be some changes. Olivier Giroud has retired from international duty, Adrien Rabiot should not be called up as he still hasn’t found a club and Eduardo Camavinga is unavailable due to injury. So we should expect several new players. The first, the one everyone is talking about, is the very likely call-up of new Bavarian Michael Olise (22 years old).
Coman and Pavard sidelined?
Ignored by Deschamps until then, the former Crystal Palace player took advantage of the 2024 Olympics effect (two goals, five assists) to reveal himself to the world. The other big winner of this successful French adventure could be Manu Koné (Borussia Mönchengladbach). According to some reports, Didier Deschamps would have appreciated his summer performances under Thierry Henry. A call-up that could be linked to the absence of Kingsley Coman. On the way out, the Bayern Munich striker would not be in a hurry to return to the Blues and DD would have been informed.
Finally, the last surprise could concern the defensive sector. If Merengue Ferland Mendy has earned the right to return to taste the joys of selection, a big uncertainty hangs over the Pavard case. The Inter defender could be among the notable absentees. The names of Axel Disais and Wesley Fofana, both at Chelsea, come back insistently in several media. Also note that N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad) could be called up again. Which trends will be confirmed? See you at 2 p.m.
