France name first squad since Euro 2024 as Didier Deschamps axes three huge players

Didier Deschamps has made some huge calls in his latest France squad ahead of next month's international break.

Under the guidance of Deschamps, France reached the final of Euro 2016 on home soil before winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The defence of their Euro crown ended in disaster in 2020 before they lost to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final.

Les Bleus were knocked out in the semi-final of Euro 2024 by Spain in Germany and ahead of next month’s UEFA Nations League fixtures, Deschamps has named his squad.

Three players from their Euro 2024 squad, Benjamin Pavard, Kingsley Coman and Adrien Rabiot have been left out.

The France squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham United/ENG), Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Brice Samba (Lens).

Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea/ENG), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan/ITA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid/ESP), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER).

Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana (AC Milan/ITA), N'Golo Kante (Al Ittihad/KSA), Manu Kone (Borussia Moenchengladbach/GER), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain).

Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele (both Paris Saint-Germain), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Randal Kolo Muani (Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA).

Getty

Bayern Munich’s former Crystal Palace star Michael Olise has been included after starring in the French Olympic squad under the guidance of legendary forward Thierry Henry.

Speaking about the winger’s inclusion, Deschamps said: “Michael did great things with Thierry Henry's Olympic team and he has moved up into a new category with his transfer to Bayern Munich.

“It is quite logical that he should now come with us. He still has progress to make but potentially he has a lot of quality.”

France, who won the Nations League back in 2021, will take on Italy and Belgium during the international break.