Three months after their heartbreaking loss in world Cup final in Doha, France embarks on a new era with Some experienced players retired f young Phenomenon Kylian Mbappe given captain armband for Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
the aftermath of that loss on Sanctions on Argentina in Qatar was turbulent.
Off the field, A.J series of Scandals brought down veteran FFF President Noel Le Graet but not before he agreed on an agreement for coach Didier Deschamps to remain in his job until 2026.
Not everyone in France agreed with the decision to extend the sentence of a coach in In charge since 2012, primarily as Zinedine Zidane is seen as the ideal successor.
On the field, the biggest name bows out He is goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who retired from international duty in 36 post over a decade captain.
spurs keeper He became the most crowned in France player During the World Cup and his departure left Deschamps need to new goalkeeper and a new master.
with length-term back-up goalkeeper Steve Mandanda also After resigning, AC Milan’s Mike Minnan will take a prize gloves When France welcomes the Netherlands at the Stade de France on Friday for Introductory qualification.
There was no doubt about it, but there was some doubt over who may become captain f with Antoine Griezmann, competitor.
However, it was impossible to ignore Mbappe. who Show yourself as a leader with His breathtaking hat trick in world Cup final. On the 24th, Paris Saint-Germain forward can skipper side for a decade.
Kylian ticked all the boxes to take on that extra responsibility. BUT on On the other hand, nothing against Antoine who It has always been important playerDeschamps said this week.
Olivier Giraud, France record goalTop scorer, he’s still there at 36. But Raphael Varane has retired, and so has Karim Benzema of Real Madrid, who Missed the World Cup after surrender injury on eve of the tournament.
“You can’t replace people who He was here for 10 years; You need time,” Deschamps admitted, who He said he understood decision of Manchester United Center-back Farran L step down At the age of of 29.
demands of the highest level can lead to fatigue, whether it be physical or psychological,” Deschamps said, who Leave playing Totally at 32.
power in Depth
luxury for Deschamps is the French carrier belt of The talent seems to never end.
Varane’s retirement opened the door for Chelsey Wesley Fofana possibility to get first call-up at 22.
He and Arsenal’s William Saliba were injured, however coach They moved to the former Barcelona center-back Jean-Clair Todibo, outperforming now in Nice.
in the midfield and with Still 2018 World Cup winners Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante struggling to recover full fitnessDeshaun deservedly delivered call-up To Khefrin Thuram.
The 21year-old was born in Italy son of France legend Lilian Thuram has been rewarded for Its distinctive shape with Nice – good.
The attacking midfielder is the youngest brother of Borussia Monchengladbach forward marcus, who He is also in the team.
Real Madrid, midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is likely play increasingly important role for His own, perhaps left-back Like 20-yearBorn during the World Cup final.
The same applies to Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randall Kolo Mwani who He almost scored a sensational overtime winner late in world Cup final.
No wonder Deschamps, now 54, wanted to stay through next world Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico; This is the talent at his disposal.
with France group includes the Republic of Ireland, Greece, and Gibraltar, ranked first and second, are on their way to next year European Championship in Germany, qualification seems a formality.
But Deshaun who team facing Ireland in Dublin next Monday, take nothing for Granted.
“There is absolutely no margin for error At the top level, but here we have to be best Immediately “.
“we need to be focused, obsessed even, on Our goal of Eligible. We must not believe that we have already qualified. we need Obtain back to reality. “
