Didier Deschamps Announces Squad for Final Matches of 2024 Nations League
Well, the cat’s out of the bag! Didier Deschamps, the maestro of the French national team, has just dropped the squad list for their last two shindigs in the Nations League, and let me tell you, it’s about as exciting as a football match where no one gets a yellow card. We’re talking about the Blues gearing up to tussle against Israel and Italy—two vital encounters that could determine whether they strut into the quarter-finals or awkwardly shuffle home.
Mark your calendars, folks! On November 14, France will host Israel at the Stade de France at a very reasonable 8:45 p.m. (and I presume, under those dazzling lights that make everyone look about ten pounds thinner). Then, three days later, it’s off for a glamourous trip to Italy—brushing up on that romantic ‘Ciao Bella’ as they prepare for a face-off at the Giuseppe Meazza. Hopefully, they arrive with more than just charm in their pocket.
Current Standings: A Little Nudge of Encouragement
As it stands, our gallant Blues sit comfortably in second place in Group A2, with five points shadowing Belgium and a tantalizing one point behind Italy. They need just a draw to secure their ticket to the quarter-finals! And if they do happen to play nicely in Milan, they could even seize the top spot. But wait, there’s a twist! Remember that little hiccup back on September 6 when Italy sent them packing with a cheeky 1-3? Let’s just say, it’s time for some *revenge of the fallen*!
Meet the Team!
Coach Didier Deschamps is preparing to call up twenty-three players for this key training session kicking off on November 11 at their luxurious abode in Clairefontaine. I’ve heard they serve Croissants aux Amandes for breakfast there. Must be lovely to live the high life and play at the same time!
Now, if your blood pressure is rising just thinking about which lucky lads will be donning the blue jersey, don’t fret! You can check out the full squad list via this link. Spoiler alert: It might feature some names you know and a couple you’ve probably thought, “Aha, who’s that?” But hey, I’m sure everyone has their shine on certain days!
Group A2: Quick Recap
As of now:
1. Italy, 10 points (+6) – looking confident and dapper, as always.
2. France, 9 points (+4) – the French can definitely ramp it up!
3. Belgium, 4 points (-1) – bless their hearts, they’re doing their best!
4. Israel, 0 points (-9) – I think they might want to mix it up a bit…
Upcoming Matches
Here’s the agenda to keep your flag-waving, snack-eating self ready for the action:
- Thursday, November 14: France vs. Israel (8:45 p.m., Saint-Denis, Stade de France, TF1)
- Sunday, November 17: Italy vs. France (8:45 p.m., Milan, Stade Giuseppe Meazza, TF1)
Remember, the top two teams qualify for the quarter-finals, while the third team has to play a terrifying game of musical chairs with the runners-up from League B! And the fourth team? They get the royal boot down to League B, which is basically football purgatory!
So, as the countdown begins, let’s cheer the français into these matches with the hope and madness only football can bring! It’s time to show Israel that they can’t just come waltzing in; and to Italy, let’s make it a feast to remember—and not just because we faceplant into a plate of pasta after the game!
Didier Deschamps, the coach of the Blues, communicated this Thursday, November 7, the list of twenty-three players selected for the last two matches of the year in the Nations League against Israel and Italy.
Final outings of the year for the French team which ends its campaign in the group phase of the 2024-2025 Nations League this November with two matches: the reception of Israel, Thursday November 14 at the Stadium from France (8:45 p.m., live on TF1), and a trip to Italy, three days later to Giuseppe Meazza (8:45 p.m., live on TF1).
Currently second in their group with five points ahead of Belgium, the Blues, one length behind Italy, only need a draw to ensure their place in the quarter-finals of the event. In Milan, they could compete for the head of the group with their hosts who beat them at the start of the campaign (1-3, September 6).
Coach Didier Deschamps has called twenty-three players for this gathering which will begin on Monday, November 11 at CNF Clairefontaine.
The list of players summoned
Group A2: the point
Results
– Friday September 6, 2024:
– Monday September 9, 2024:
– Thursday October 10, 2024:
– Monday October 14, 2024:
Ranking
1. Italy, 10 points (+6); 2. France9 pts (+4); 3. Belgium, 4 pts (-1); 4. Israel, 0 pt (-9).
Agenda
– Thursday November 14, 2024:
- France-Israel (8:45 p.m., Saint-Denis, Stade de France, TF1)
- Belgium-Italy (8:45 p.m.)
– Sunday November 17, 2024:
- Italy-France (8.45pm, Milan, Stade Giuseppe Meazza, TF1)
- Israel-Belgium (8:45 p.m.)
The top two qualify for the quarter-finals. The third place plays a promotion/relegation play-off against a runner-up from League B. The fourth-placed team is directly relegated to League B.
### Interview with Football Analyst Jean-Luc Martinez on Didier Deschamps’ Squad Decisions
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Jean-Luc! Thanks for joining us today to discuss Didier Deschamps’ recent announcement regarding the French squad for the Nations League matches against Israel and Italy. First off, what’s your take on Deschamps dropping Kylian Mbappé from the squad?
**Jean-Luc Martinez:** Thank you for having me! I must say, this is a bold move by Deschamps. Speculating on the reasons behind dropping a star player like Mbappé could range from tactical considerations to managing team dynamics. While he is an incredibly talented player, perhaps Deschamps wants to send a message about team performance ahead of crucial matches.
**Interviewer:** That definitely raises eyebrows! How do you think the absence of someone like Mbappé will affect the team’s morale and performance?
**Jean-Luc Martinez:** That’s a key question. On one hand, some players might feel a boost, seeing it as a chance to step up and fill the void. It creates an opportunity for others to shine. On the other hand, the team may need time to recalibrate their strategy without such a world-class talent on the pitch. The upcoming matches are pivotal, especially against a strong side like Italy.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of strategy, with France needing just a draw against Israel to ensure their place in the quarter-finals, what approach do you think Deschamps will take in these matches?
**Jean-Luc Martinez:** I expect a conservative yet assertive approach. Deschamps knows they can control the game against Israel, so he might field a solid midfield that can maintain possession and stifle any counter-attacks. Against Italy, however, it could become more aggressive because they can’t afford another loss after their previous encounter.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the rivalry with Italy. How significant is this matchup for the players, especially with previous results in mind?
**Jean-Luc Martinez:** This clash is monumental for several reasons. It’s not just about the standings; it’s personal. After the 3-1 loss in September, there’s likely a burning desire for vengeance among the players. Historically, matches between France and Italy have been fiercely contested, and this one will be no different, especially with possible top spot implications in the group.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what do you think the final squad will reveal about Deschamps’ intentions for the upcoming Euros next summer?
**Jean-Luc Martinez:** The final squad selections will be telling. If he goes with more youth or less established players to replace Mbappé, it suggests a strategy focused on building a versatile team for the Euros. Conversely, if he sticks with experienced players, it could indicate he’s looking to maximize immediate success with a more mature roster, possibly in anticipation of pressure during the tournament.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like the upcoming matches will be crucial for both team dynamics and future tournaments! Thanks, Jean-Luc, for sharing your insights.
**Jean-Luc Martinez:** My pleasure! I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds on the pitch. Let’s hope for some fantastic football!
