Zinedine Zidane will lead the France national team for the second time in his career, but this time as head coach. He is set to announce the squad that will face Turkey on September 25, then Belgium three days later, before meeting Belgium again on October 5. France will also play Italy on October 2. According to L’Équipe, 68 million French people are waiting to see which players Zidane will choose in his first squad.
Goalkeeping Changes
In goal, Mike Maignan, the AC Milan goalkeeper, will retain his position as the starter. However, the new goalkeeping coach, Fabien Barthez, wants to make changes in the other two spots, according to the newspaper. While Robin Risser, the Lens goalkeeper, hopes to return to the team, Brice Samba, the 32-year-old Rennes goalkeeper, is expected to be selected. Jean Butez, the Como goalkeeper, and Guillaume Restes, the Toulouse goalkeeper, are also among the expected choices.
Defense and Midfield
In defense, Zidane is likely to keep the prominent names in central defense, such as Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté, while William Saliba will be absent due to injury. L’Équipe suggests Jérémy Jacquet, the Liverpool defender, as his replacement, especially after his strong start with his English club this season.
In midfield, L’Équipe mentions a new addition in Lucas Da Cunha, the 25-year-old Como player, while N’Golo Kanté, the key player under former coach Didier Deschamps, is not expected to be included in Zidane’s squad at the age of 35.
Attack
In attack, Zidane is not expected to make extensive changes, but there are discussions within the coaching staff about the inclusion of both Marcus Thuram, the Inter Milan forward, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, the Crystal Palace forward. Mateta is considered the less likely option to be in the squad, which could benefit the forward Esteban Lepaul, the 26-year-old Rennes forward, who has been closely monitored by the coaching staff recently.