France announce squad for UEFA Nations League semi-final; Kylian Mbappe called up

Les Bleus will face Spain in the semi-final.

Head coach Didier Deschamps picked Rayan Cherki in the team for the UEFA Nations League semi-final match on the first Wednesday of next month, earning him a call-up to France.

However, as Les Bleus prepare for their semifinal matchup against Spain on June 5 in Stuttgart, Germany, they will be missing full-back Jules Kounde due to a thigh ailment and centre-back William Saliba due to a hamstring injury.

Three days later, France could face Germany or Portugal for third place or in a final match.

After years of failing to reach his amazing potential, Cherki, 21, has become a star player in Ligue 1 this season, making a huge contribution to Lyon’s attacking brilliance.

The Champions League final between Paris St. Germain and Inter Milan on May 31 will feature a number of France players, including Marcus Thuram, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Warren Zaire-Emery, Benjamin Pavard, and Lucas Hernandez.

However, Deschamps thinks there won’t be a problem with motivation.

“I don’t need to motivate them. Spain is certainly the best European team, if not the best in the world, with players who are extremely high-performing,” he said.

“Barca aren’t in the Champions League final, so they’ll probably be fresher. Of course, there’s Lamine Yamal, who does extraordinary things. But he’s not the only one we need to keep an eye on. We know very well that we’re up against one of the best teams, if not the very best, at the international level.”

France announce squad for UEFA Nations League semi-final against Spain

Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (Lille), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)

Defenders: Loïc Badé (Sevilla), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), L. Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Clément Lenglet (Atlético Madrid), Benjamin Pavard (Inter)

Midfielders: Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio) Manu Koné (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG).

Forwards: Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Lyon), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG) Randal Kolo Muani (PSG), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

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