the eleven of the most absent

As usual, each list of Didier Deschamps is scrutinized very closely. Some rejoice when they see their darling among the players selected by the coach, while others have it bad when they see the absence of their favorite player. But with a maximum of 26 selectable players, obviously, you have to make strong choices, especially when you have such a pool. We can also make a hell of an eleven by taking into account the various absentees, where we find injured players and others who simply did not fit into the plans of DD.

In the cages for example, Alphonse Areola lost his place, he who was at one time quite often held back. The same goes for Benoît Costil, whom we have seen in the France group in the past. Mike Maignan’s performances with LOSC left no chance for the two goalkeepers mentioned above. In defense, Didier Deschamps notably preferred Jules Koundé to Dayot Upamecano, who had started recently, as well as to Samuel Umtiti, a member of the team at a not so distant time, but whose season in Barcelona was still undermined by physical glitches.

2018 world champions left on the sidelines

On the side, Madrid’s Ferland Mendy misses this Euro due to an injury, when many also asked for the selection of Théo Hernandez, author of a good 2020/2021 exercise with AC Milan. In the midfield, where there is also a lot of competition, it’s hard not to think of Tanguy Ndombele or Nabil Fekir, who has a good year 2021 in Andalusia with Betis. Young Eduardo Camavinga or Houssem Aouar have paid less for their club in recent months, which also explains the non-selection of Steven N’Zonzi, world champion three years ago.

Finally, in front, we can think of the Marseillais Florian Thauvin and Dimitri Payet, who have had the right to several capes in recent years, but who have not been able to make a place for this Euro following their season not necessarily full in land. phocean. Anthony Martial, handicapped by physical problems, must also leave his place, while Alexandre Lacazette is once again dismissed despite a generally satisfactory season with Arsenal. As for André-Pierre Gignac, he was no longer really a credible candidate. The opposite of Jonathan Ikoné in good shape, but barred by the competition …