Not the time to experiment. Didier Deschamps made this clear when unveiling his list for the matches against the Netherlands and Scotland (October 13-17) this Thursday at the FFF headquarters. If the objective is known to everyone with a victory against the Batavians next Saturday in Amsterdam, which would be synonymous with qualification for Euro 2024, the France group has not moved much for these two meetings.
Indeed, only one change should be noted compared to the last “DD” list, for the September matches. As we announced, Jonathan Clauss is returning to the Blues, replacing Axel Disasi who, like his entire team (Chelsea FC), is having a rather difficult start to the season. If the Marseillais, who as a reminder had missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is recalled, it is because of his good performances with Olympique de Marseille in a four-man defense. This is what the coach indicated when explaining the choice to take him back. “There is a question of competition. He comes back to what he achieves in this position (right side, editor’s note), where he did not play last season. He plays with his own qualities as a right-back,” he said. The selection of Jonathan Clauss should allow Benjamin Pavard, “who has more difficulties [than Jules Koundé, editor’s note] at the right-back position”, to refocus, and therefore to play in his preferred position, where he now plays with Inter Milan.
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As for the September matches, N’Golo Kanté, who left for the off-season in Saudi Arabia (Al-Ittihad), was not selected despite a good start to the season with a goal and two assists on the clock in eight matches championship. However, as we indicated, the staff continues to observe him. The last selection of the 2018 World champion dates back to a little over a year ago, in June 2022 against Denmark.
The list of the Blues for the matches against the Netherlands and Scotland (October 13 and 17)Areola, Maignan, Samba – Clauss, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez, Konaté, Koundé, Pavard, Saliba, Upamecano – Camavinga , Fofana, Kamara, Rabiot, Tchouaméni – Coman, Dembélé, Giroud, Griezmann, Kolo Muani, Mbappé, Thuram.