This is Zinedine Zidane’s trademark. The national coach was not afraid to use all his players, or almost all, during the 4 matches played by the France team during this gathering. All 20 outfield players came into play, even Leny Yoro called in to replace Ibrahima Konaté. Even Guillaume Restes, second goalkeeper lined up during the last match against Belgium.
Only one will ultimately not have had the right to the honor of a selection in Blue, it is the third goalkeeper, Jean Butez. He had been selected following Robin Risser’s withdrawal, and had already expressed his joy at being selected, at the age of 31. “I saw this stat, it’s pretty cool that it’s me who breaks the record but you’re never too old for a first selection. And it’s unfortunate for Robin (Risser editor’s note) that he can’t be there today. Now I am here to replace him and discover this world, this group and I am the happiest”he declared. He did not have the opportunity to set foot on the pitch, but Zidane thought of mentioning him on the microphone of TF1.
