France squad for 2024 September international break; Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe included
Les Bleus will play Italy and Belgium in the Nations League.
Michael Olise, who is born in England was called up to the French national team on Thursday in anticipation of their UEFA Nations League campaign, which begins next month, as an appreciation for his outstanding exploits for his country at the Olympics.
The 22-year-old was perhaps the most impressive member of Thierry Henry’s France squad that earned the Olympic silver medal at the Paris Games last month. He was raised in London to a French-Algerian mother and a Nigerian father.
In addition, he recently signed a contract with Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace for an estimated 60 million euros ($66.6 million), following his season-long run of 10 goals in 19 Premier League appearances.
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Not only has Olise stepped up, but Didier Deschamps has also called up Manu Kone, a 23-year-old midfielder for Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Next Friday, September 6, France will play Italy at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Three days later, on September 7, France will play Belgium in Lyon.
Wesley Fofana, a 23-year-old centre-back for Chelsea whose only appearance to date came in a Euro 2024 qualifying match against Gibraltar more than a year ago, has also returned to the team.
Les Bleus Euro 2024 ended on a sour note when they were eliminated by Spain in the semi-final of the competition, the Deschamps side is one team to have won the Nations League and will hope to the trophy a second time.
France squad for UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy and Belgium
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham United/ENG), Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Brice Samba (Lens)
Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea/ENG), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan/ITA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid/ESP), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)
Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana (AC Milan/ITA), N’Golo Kante (Al Ittihad/KSA), Manu Kone (Borussia Moenchengladbach/GER), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele (both Paris Saint-Germain), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Randal Kolo Muani (Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA)
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