France have named their squad for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Captain Kylian Mbappe has returned to the squad announced by coach Didier Deschamps. France will play the first leg against Croatia on March 20.
The 26-year-old Mbappe was not in the France squad announced for the Nations League group stages held in October and November. He was initially left out of the team due to fitness issues but was later dropped due to personal life issues.
However, the Real Madrid star has been in excellent form recently. He has scored 28 goals for the club this season. Deschamps said of Mbappe's role, "I have spoken to him and I confirm that he will be the captain."
Meanwhile, PSG midfielder Desire Douy, 19, has been given his first chance in the France team. Douy has been directly involved in 17 goals in 23 matches this season.
Douy put in a great performance as a substitute in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie against Liverpool on Tuesday, scoring the winning goal in the penalty shootout.
Deschamps said of Douy, "He's not always in the starting XI for the club, but whenever he comes on, he performs. He's very young, I could have waited, but I felt now was the right time to call him up."
France will play the first leg of their quarter-final against Croatia on March 20. The second leg will be played at the Stade de France in Paris on March 23. The winner will play the semi-finals in Italy or Germany in June.
Squad:
Goalkeepers – Lucas Chevalier, Mike Mian, Brice Samba
Defenders – Jonathan Klaus, Lucas Digne, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kunde, Bazman Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders – Eduardo Camavinga, Mateo Guendouzi, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Choumané, Warren Zaire-Emery
Forwarders – Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Deja Doue, Rodrygo Kolo Muanyi, Kylian Mbappe, Mikel Olis, Marcus Thuram
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