Zidane confirms Mbappe as France captain in first squad
Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will continue as France captain after naming his first squad since taking over as head coach from Didier Deschamps.
Mbappe, who plays for Real Madrid, impressed as captain during the World Cup and ended the tournament as the leading scorer with 10 goals. France, however, were eliminated in the semi-finals after losing to eventual champions Spain.
The defeat marked the end of Deschamps’ 14-year spell in charge, during which France won the 2018 World Cup. Zidane, who played alongside Deschamps in France’s successful 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 campaigns, was appointed as his successor in late July on a four-year contract.
Zidane’s first matches as France coach will come in the UEFA Nations League, with France travelling to Turkey next Friday before facing Belgium in Brussels on September 28.
His first home match will be against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2, followed by another home fixture against Belgium three days later.
The 54-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner has included several new players in his first squad. Zidane retired from international football in 2006 after being sent off for headbutting Italy’s Marco Materazzi during the World Cup final, which France eventually lost on penalties.
Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet, 21, has earned his first call-up following his strong performances since joining the Premier League club during the summer transfer window.
Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, who finished as Ligue 1’s leading scorer last season, has also received his first international selection, while Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha has been included.
Inter Milan midfielder or wing-back Andy Diouf and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes are among the other new additions to the squad.
Several players who featured at the World Cup have been left out, including Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram. Arsenal defender William Saliba is also absent because of injury.
France squad
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Robin Risser (Lens), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse).
Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan/ITA), Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool/ENG), Ibrahima Konate (Real Madrid/ESP), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus/ITA), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea/ENG), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER).
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid/ESP), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Lucas Da Cunha (Como/ITA), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan/ITA), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain).
Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool/ENG), Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue (both Paris Saint-Germain), Esteban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER).
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