the Thuram brothers reunited in Blue, Brice Samba and Wesley Fofana called up for the first time to face the Netherlands and Ireland

The later is now. Three months after the World Cup final defeat against Argentina, Didier Deschamps unveiled his list of the Blues’ first matches after this defeat on Thursday 16 March. To launch their Euro 2024 qualifiers, the Habs have an appointment with the The Netherlands, March 24, at the Stade de France and Ireland, March 27, in Dublin.

For these two meetings, and after the international withdrawals of several managers (Raphaël Varane, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda and Karim Benzema) and the absence of others (Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté), Didier Deschamps carried out a personnel review with three newcomers: Brice Samba, Wesley Fofana and Khephren Thuram. Eighteen of the twenty-five Globalists were recalled.

Camavinga called up as defender

The new hierarchy among goalkeepers was the main question mark before the announcement of this list. For the first rally after the retirement of Steve Mandanda and Hugo Lloris, Didier Deschamps had to release his new framework. Natural heir designated for a few years, Mike Maignan (Milan) – recovering from an injury – will be the number one propeller as expected. Alongside him, the coach has called a starter in the role of third bulwark: Alphonse Areola (West Ham). It remains to be seen whether the former Parisian will always be number 3, or whether this role will be filled by newcomer Brice Samba (RC Lens).

In defence, another newcomer is being asked to fill the gap left by Raphaël Varane’s international retirement: Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana. The 22-year-old defender, trained at Saint-Etienne, has been regularly announced among the suitors. However, his selection makes him unlucky: Axel Disasi (AS Monaco), globalist but not called up for these matches in March. On the other hand, after his complicated World Cup, there is Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich). “We discussed a lot, it belongs to the past. The important thing is what’s ahead and he maintains a high level with his club.”Didier Deschamps said of him, praising the versatility of the one who sees “before as right-back”.

It should also be noted that Eduardo Camavinga, a training midfielder, was called up as a defender by the coach, a role he had held at the World Cup. Finally, after the Hernandez brothers, it is the Thuram brothers’ turn to meet at Clairefontaine. Marcus and Khephren, sons of Lilian Thuram, have both been called. If the former has become a regular at the Blues for several months, his little brother knows his first selection, while he has become a hub in the middle of OGC Nice for several weeks.

The list of 23 blues

Guardians (3): Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Alphonse Areola

Defenders (8): Théo Hernandez, Benjamin Pavard, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate, Eduardo Camavinga, Wesley Fofana.

Wallpapers (5): Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Youssouf Fofana, Khephren Thuram, Jordan Veretout.

Forwards (7): Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, Randal Kolo-Muani, Marcus Thuram, Moussa Diaby, Kingsley Coman, Olivier Giroud.