05.11.2026 21:43
Preparing for critical matches in the UEFA Nations League, France national team head coach Zinedine Zidane will give chances to young and surprise names in the absence of injured players. While Aurelien Tchouameni's return from Real Madrid has been confirmed, young talents such as Valentin Atangana and Dayann Methalie will be included in the senior national team squad for the first time.
In the UEFA Nations League, the France National Team, which has reached a critical juncture, is preparing for radical changes in the squad ahead of the tough matches against Italy and Turkey, under head coach Zinedine Zidane.
SURPRISE IN THE FRANCE SQUAD
While Ousmane Dembele, Manu Kone and Jules Kounde, who are injured in the French team, are not expected to be included in the provisional squad; Zidane plans to fill the gaps with young and surprise names. According to Foot Mercato; Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid, who was not included in the squad last month, is certain to return to the team. The extended list also includes Mathys Tel from Tottenham and Eli Junior Kroupi from Bournemouth.
The French coach's real big surprise, however, is the young talents who have previously worn the France U21 shirt. The 21-year-old midfielder Valentin Atangana, who plays for Al-Ahli, will experience the excitement of the senior national team for the first time if he receives an invitation. The 20-year-old left-back Dayann Methalie, who attracted attention with his performance at Premier League club Sunderland, is another new name on Zidane's radar.
FRANCE'S FIXTURES
France, which sits at the top of the group that also includes our National A Team with 10 points after 4 matches, will face Italy away on November 12 and will host our National A Team on November 15.