Euros

France’s squad announcement: Dembele & Mbappe lead as Mendy returns

Published

4 months ago

May 31, 2023

Confirmed: Mbappe and Dembele Lead as Ferland Mendy Returns in Latest France Squad

The latest squad list for the French national team has been confirmed, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele taking the lead, while Ferland Mendy makes his return. However, there are a few notable absences due to injury. Khéphren Thuram, the midfielder from Nice, will miss out on the squad due to his injury, along with France stalwarts N’Golo Kanté and Paul Pogba, who are also unavailable for the same reason.

On a positive note, RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku and Barcelona striker Ousmane Dembele have made their way back into the France squad. Nkunku, a former PSG youth product, was part of the World Cup squad but suffered an injury during a training session in Qatar. However, he has showcased his top form with Leipzig recently. Similarly, Dembele has been enjoying increased playing time with Barcelona.

The squad will gather at Clairefontaine on June 9th for their preparations. It’s worth mentioning that Alphonse Areola, the West Ham goalkeeper, is the sole France international to have featured in a European final this season. The Hammers will face Fiorentina on June 7th in Prague.

France is currently leading Group B in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, having secured victories against The Netherlands (4-0) and Ireland (1-0). They have been dominant in their performances and will next face Gibraltar in Faro on June 16th, followed by hosting Greece three days later at the Stade de France.

Full list:

Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)

Defenders: Axel Disasi (Monaco), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)

Forwards: Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembélé (Barcelona), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Marcus Thuram (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Randal Kolo Muani (Frankfurt), Kylian Mbappé (PSG), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)

EPL

Arsenal defender Gabriel features in Brazil training after Bolivia scare

Published

2 weeks ago

September 11, 2023

Williams

Arsenal defender Gabriel features in Brazil training after Bolivia scare

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes appears to have avoided suffering a muscle injury while on international duty with Brazil.

After a nasty challenge during Brazil’s match against Bolivia, Gabriel was seen holding an ice pack on his thigh, raising concerns about a possible injury.

However, recent reports suggest that scans on his thigh problem have shown no signs of injury.

He is expected to start in Brazil’s match against Peru.

A physical therapy doctor, Dr. Rajpal Brar, initially assessed the injury as a thigh issue, possibly contact-related, but later indicated that it appears to be contact-related rather than a muscle pull.

Euros

England 7-0 Macedonia: Saka begs hat-trick as Three Lions sign off for the season

Published

3 months ago

June 19, 2023

Williams

England 7-0 Macedonia: Saka begs hat-trick as Three Lions sign off for the season

Bukayo Saka delivered a stunning hat-trick as England ended their season with a resounding 7-0 victory over North Macedonia, maintaining their perfect record and securing the top spot in Euro 2024 qualifying Group C.

The Arsenal star showcased his brilliance by scoring two remarkable goals. The first came from a tight angle, as he unleashed a powerful strike into the net.

Shortly after the second half began, Saka received an excellent pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold and confidently fired a shot from the edge of the box.

He completed his hat-trick by displaying his well-timed run and composed finish, solidifying his outstanding individual season. England showcased their dominance by dismantling their opponents throughout the match.

Initially, North Macedonia, a team that famously defeated Italy in a World Cup play-off, put up a stubborn defense. However, their resistance was broken when Harry Kane converted Luke Shaw’s cutback.

Saka quickly followed with a thunderous strike into the roof of the net, and Marcus Rashford completed an excellent first-half display for the Three Lions with a close-range finish, securing his goal on home soil.

Saka’s early second-half goals ignited the crowd’s enthusiasm, and the celebration continued as Kalvin Phillips netted his first international goal. Kane extended England’s lead further, calmly converting a penalty after John Stones was fouled during a set-piece.

The emphatic victory highlighted England’s dominant form and showcased the individual brilliance of Bukayo Saka, leaving fans thrilled and optimistic for the future.