The French team’s coach has unveiled his squad for the upcoming Blues tour in the United States next week, the last one before the World Cup.
The time for the big journey is nearing. While the Blues will join Boston and their base camp on June 9 for the World Cup (June 11 – July 19), an early taste of America awaits them in the coming days with a gala match against Brazil (Thursday 26, 9 pm) and a friendly against Colombia (Sunday 29, 9 pm). For this tour planned by Nike, the main sponsor of the world vice-champions, Didier Deschamps revealed his list of 26 elements on Thursday. What to expect?
Kylian Mbappé, back in action with Real Madrid, is indeed part of the group, as we announced on February 27th. The captain of the Blues (94 caps, 55 goals) will lead the French attack against Brazil in Boston and is expected to play against Colombia in Washington three days later. The usual internationals will also be present: Dembélé, Olise, Cherki, Doucouré. With the injury of Bradley Barcola, who is nursing an ankle injury with PSG, Deschamps has placed his trust in Maghnes Akliouche. To complete the attack, Randal Kolo Muani, a scorer with Tottenham on Wednesday night in the Champions League, has been called up, as well as Marcus Thuram. Jean-Philippe Mateta (3 caps, 2 goals) has been deemed unfit after his recent return to the field with Crystal Palace.
Deschamps extends his hand to Chevalier
As for the rest of the squad, all eyes were once again on the goalkeeping position. As discussed in our columns since Wednesday, the French coach has extended his hand to Lucas Chevalier, who is no longer playing with PSG. The number 2 who dropped to number 3 in March will likely have a discussion with the head of the French team during the camp. The message is clear: if the former Lille player wants to participate in the World Cup, he must play again with Paris before the end of the season. Mike Maignan is faithful in his position and Brice Samba has also been called up.
In defense, with Jules Koundé’s withdrawal, Malo Gusto appears to be the future starter on the right flank in the upcoming sequence. Even though Turin’s Pierre Kalulu has a part to play. Not forgetting Warren Zaire-Emery, who has done well with Paris in this position and is part of the midfield in the list. The key players are there (Upamecano, Saliba, Konaté, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez, Digne) to complete the defense. No surprises with Lens’ Mathieu Udol or Bournemouth’s left-back, Adrien Truffert.
In the midfield, the usual suspects are present: Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Rabiot, Koné, Kanté, and Zaire-Emery. Still no sign of Corentin Tolisso, who is doing everything with OL to return to the French team but remains sidelined. His last match in the blue jersey dates back to 2021. The other profiles (Guendouzi, K. Thuram, Fofana) are even further away. The Lille midfielder, looked at by Morocco, Ayyoub Bouaddi, hasn’t caught Deschamps’ attention yet.
The French staff will be on the lookout for any potential injuries in the coming days, with pressure expected from clubs, who are not too pleased with this trip to the United States as the Champions League quarterfinals loom on their return from Donald Trump’s country. As per the schedule, the Blues will meet on Monday at Clairefontaine and depart for Boston on Tuesday. The ultimate journey before the great thrill of summer.
The list of the Blues:
Chevalier, Maignan, Samba – Digne, Gusto, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez, Kalulu, Konaté, Saliba, Upamecano – Camavinga, Kanté, Koné, Rabiot, Tchouaméni, Zaire-Emery – Akliouche, Cherki, Dembélé, Doucouré, Ekitike, Kolo-Muani, Mbappé, Olise, M. Thuram
[Context: The French national team’s roster has been revealed for the upcoming tour in the United States, which serves as preparation before the World Cup.]
[Fact Check: The article mentions several key players and their roles, along with insights into the team’s strategy and potential challenges ahead.]
