body-container-line-1
09.08.2012 Sports News

Descamps names first France squad

09.08.2012 LISTEN
By ESPN

France coach Didier Deschamps has named his first squad for the forthcoming friendly against Uruguay - with the four players disciplined by the country's football federation (FFF) after Euro 2012 all missing.

Jeremy Menez and Samir Nasri were ruled out of the match after being suspended for one and three games respectively by the FFF. Midfielders Yann M'Vila and Hatem Ben Arfa, who were both given warnings but not suspended, were not selected by Deschamps.

The FFF imposed the punishments after holding an inquiry into the players' conduct during the tournament, in which France went out in the quarter-finals amid reports of dressing-room unrest.

Nasri was banned for three games after a foul-mouthed tirade at reporters following the tame last-eight defeat to Spain, while Menez was banned for one match after confrontations with team-mate Hugo Lloris and referee Nicola Rizzoli in the same game.

Midfielder Yohan Cabaye and Valencia defender Adil Rami are ruled out of the squad because of injuries, while Philippe Mexes is also out.

Defenders Raphael Varane and Christophe Jallet and midfielder Etienne Capoue have all been given first international call-ups, while there are recalls for Lille captain Rio Mavuba, forward Jimmy Briand and Marseille defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

Deschamps said: "Mavuba plays for a big club in France and has played in the Champions League. He has performed well and is the captain of Lille. That is enough to earn a place in the France squad."

Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff was not selected, and the coach explained: "I have an eye on Gourcuff, but I would rather take some time before making a decision on him."

France squad for Uruguay friendly
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille)

Defenders: Gael Clichy (Man City), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille), Patrice Evra (Man Utd), Christophe Jallet (PSG), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (PSG), Rafael Varane (Real Madrid), Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (Marseille)

Midfielders: Etienne Capoue (Toulouse), Maxime Gonalons (Lyon), Marvin Martin (Lille), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)

Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Jimmy Briand (Lyon), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon), Dimitri Payet (Lille), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich).


body-container-line