(Football news) Didier Deschamps has announced a 23-man France squad for the Euro 2023 qualifiers. Les Blues will be taking on Netherlands and Irelands to kick off a new era. Deschamps’ future wasn’t clear but now he has renewed his contract till 2026. Since the World Cup France’s captain Hugo Lloris and vice captain Raphael Varane have retired along with Ballon D’or winner Karim Benzema. Now Deschamps will be looking to settle in a team with new faces and some old ones as soon as possible.

France Squad: 

Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Mike Maignan, Brice Samba

Defenders: Eduardo Camavinga, Wesley Fofana, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano

Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout, Khéphren Thuram.

Forwards: Kingsley Coman, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezman, Randal Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Thuram, Moussa Diaby.

Mike Maignan who missed the World Cup due to injury is back and he is likely to be the first choice keeper after the retirement of Hugo Lloris. Eduardo Camavinga has been called up after consistent performances for Real Madrid. Deschamps has already confirmed that he will be playing left back which he has done a lot for Real Madrid recently. It is likely to be a temporary thing as he is much more comfortable and impactful in midfield. 

Khéphren Thuram and Wesley Fofana have been called up for the first time in their careers. N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba are still injured, so the young midfielders will get more chances. Christopher Nkunku, Ousmane Dembele, Ferland Mendy, Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez are also injured. Chelsea center back Benoit Badiashile has been playing really well this season but he hasn’t been called up.

Also read: Gareth Southgate continues favouritism in in latest England squad