Didier Deschamps reaffirmed it in March: he already has his “hard core” for the Euro, namely “a group of 16, 17, 18 or 19 players” on whom he plans to rely, barring physical concerns. For the rest, uncertainties existed in his mind and that of his staff, and it was certainly the players’ fitness levels which would take precedence and condition his final choices for the tournament. But today, on D-1 of the announcement, another part of vagueness remains: that of the structure of the list.
If he is authorized to retain 26 players for the Euro, Deschamps preferred to kick in on Monday evening, when he was questioned on the subject at the UNFP trophy ceremony. “If I take 26 players, it’s because I think it’s useful for the France team. Adapt, that’s my watchword.”he also confided to theAFP at the beginning of the month. And the surprises in all this? There might still be some. “It’s not because I’m not used to calling up players in the final phase that I haven’t selected before that I’m going to deprive myself of it”he responded to a question about the possible summons of Bradley Barcola.
Bradley Barcola and Ferland Mendy, it’s becoming clearer
In recent hours, the possibility of seeing Bradley Barcola to the Euro continues to gain momentum. In any case, this is the meaning of the information revealed by The Parisian this Wednesday morning. Under the combined effect of his good season at PSG, and the possible withdrawal of Kingsley Coman, injured, the ex-Lyonnais will have a say in the winger position. This will also be the case for Ferland Mendy, tipped to replace Lucas Hernandez, forfeited after suffering a cruciate ligament rupture with PSG. Excellent with Real Madrid this season, the 28-year-old full-back has not been called up since September 2022 for the Blues, but should be preferred to Lucas Digne.
In the midfield, The Team mentioned the possibility of seeing Didier Deschamps select 7 players, in addition to Antoine Griezmann. A choice linked to the state of form of Aurélien Tchouameni, who will be called up but monitored after his recent injury. Eduardo Camavinga, Adrien Rabiot, Youssouf Fofana and Warren Zaire-Emery should also answer the call, but it is around the last two places that doubts exist. To date, Jordan Veretout And Mattéo Guendouzi still seem to have a head start, even if Khafre Thuram had already tasted the Blues a year ago (Boubacar Kamara’s package has been recorded since February). On the other hand, it is difficult to imagine N’Golo Kanté making his return to the Blues after 2 years of absence, even if the former Blues has been recovering in Saudi Arabia in recent months.
In defense, some unknowns
At the goalkeeper position, barring any drama, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba and Alphonse Areola will fill the boxes. The vagueness around a possible first for Lucas Chevalier, brilliant with Lille this season, was however swept away last weekend during the match against Nantes. Out with an injury, the 22-year-old goalkeeper had knee surgery and remains uncertain for the Olympic Games. As for Guillaume Restes (18 years old), he still seems too green to join the French group, despite promising performances with Toulouse this season. It is especially in defense that the suspense remains total. In the event that Didier Deschamps opted for a list of 26 players, 9 defenders could be called up, if we rely on the way the Blues coach operates at Euro 2021.
To the right, Malo Gusto could have applied, but his recent injury has probably cooled Didier Deschamps (he has only played 41 minutes since his return). As we mentioned yesterday, the profile of Mohamed Simakan could meet the requirements of the French staff, namely a versatile defender capable of playing in the corridor as well as as a central defender. After a great season with Lille, it would not be crazy to see Leny Yoro establish this new status as an international player this summer, but the chances still remain extremely slim. Today, Axel Disasi and even Jean-Clair Todibo are leaving ahead in the spirit of Deschamps. Castello Lukeba, untouchable at Leizpig and called up in October after Disasi’s withdrawal, could on the other hand have his card to play. The ex-Lyonnais has the advantage of being left-handed, an asset which has often counted for Deschamps.
Moussa Diaby could be there
Returning to the Blues in March, Moussa Diaby (10 selections) also remains popular in the mind of Didier Deschamps. If we imagined the Aston Villa winger being in the balance with Bradley Barcola for the Euro, the idea of seeing the two players being selected does exist, provided that Deschamps opts for a list of 25/26 players, and that Kingsley Coman renounces the Euro.
Michael Olise, brilliant since his return from injury with Crystal Palace, could also have applied. But the international hopeful seems to be starting too far. As for Christopher Nkunku, called to become an executive of the France team, he was able to play 45 minutes during Chelsea’s last two meetings. But this late return to competition should not offer enough guarantees to Didier Deschamps to allow him to participate in his first tournament with the France team. Response tomorrow evening on the 8:00 p.m. news even if, remember, the selectors will have until June 7 to readjust their list, the date of official submission to UEFA.
