Zinedine Zidane names first France squad with five new faces

Zinedine Zidane has announced his first France squad as head coach, selecting five uncapped players for four Nations League fixtures in September and October.

Zidane’s appointment marks a new era for France after Didier Deschamps’ 14-year spell in charge. His first squad includes Guillaume Restes, Jeremy Jacquet, Lucas Da Cunha, Andy Diouf and Esteban Lepaul, all of whom have been called up to the senior team for the first time.

The new manager has retained several key members of the squad, although William Saliba is absent through injury and Aurelien Tchouameni has not fully recovered.

France will begin their Nations League campaign with away matches against Turkiye and Belgium on 25 and 28 September respectively. They will then host Italy at Stade de France on 2 October before facing Belgium again three days later.

The squad also includes Dayot Upamecano, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Adrien Rabiot, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola.

Jeremy Jacquet has been rewarded for his strong start with Liverpool, while Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes has been selected in place of Brice Samba.

Adrien Truffert returns to the international squad after a five-year absence. Lucas Digne and the Hernandez brothers are not included.

Zidane has also brought Andy Diouf into the group to strengthen the defence after his impressive start with Inter Milan. Eduardo Camavinga returns to the France set-up.

France squad

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Guillaume Restes.

Defenders: Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde, Ibrahima Konate, Jeremy Jacquet, Andy Diouf, Pierre Kalulu, Maxence Lacroix, Adrien Truffert.

Midfielders: Adrien Rabiot, Manu Kone, Warren Zaire-Emery, Eduardo Camavinga, Rayan Cherki, Lucas Da Cunha.

Forwards: Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Esteban Lepaul.