Didier Deschamps has officially unveiled the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Croatia, marking the highly anticipated return of Kylian Mbappé as captain on March 20 and 23, 2025. After missing significant international breaks due to injury and personal issues, the 26-year-old star has made his comeback just in time for the decisive matches.
Mbappé had last donned the French jersey on September 9, 2024, during the national team's 2-0 victory over Belgium. His absence from the two previous gatherings—October and November—sparked speculation about his future and fitness. Between now and igniting back on the pitch, he scored 15 goals this year for Real Madrid, showcasing his readiness to lead Les Bleus once again.
Alongside Mbappé, Deschamps has called up the young talent Désiré Doué for his first cap. The 19-year-old PSG attacker has been making waves with his performance and is expected to bring fresh energy to the squad. "Everything he has been doing well and very well with his club is interesting for us. I could have done it later, but I have done it now. He won’t be able to go with the under-21s this summer for the Club World Cup," explained Deschamps.
The matches will be held first on Croatian soil, followed by the return leg at the iconic Stade de France, where Olivier Giroud will be honored. For this encounter, expected to draw 80,000 fans, Giroud's contributions to the national team will be celebrated, acknowledging his impactful career, which included the 2018 World Cup victory. Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann's tribute has been postponed due to his unavailability.
Deschamps has kept the squad relatively stable leading up to the matches, bringing back other key players like Ousmane Dembélé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, both of whom have recovered from injuries. Dembélé, who netted 29 goals for PSG this season, will reintegrate seamlessly, reinforcing France's attacking options. "I told Ousmane to save some for us," Deschamps cleverly remarked on Dembélé's effective current form.
Notably absent from the selection is N'Golo Kanté, who is sidelined with a minor muscular issue. His absence could allow less experienced players access to valuable minutes on the pitch, effectively broadening their international experience. "I made the decision not to include him. Other younger players can have time on the field during these matches," Deschamps stated.
Among the goalkeepers, Lucas Chevalier continues to rise through the ranks, earning his place alongside established names like Mike Maignan and Brice Samba. "The hierarchy is not fixed, but Mike remains the number one for me," confirmed Deschamps.
Deschamps is gearing up for significant challenges with high stakes. The goal remains clear: win the matches against Croatia and secure qualification for the Final Four later this summer. He is acutely aware of the tough competition waiting, with top-performing teams like Portugal, Italy, and Spain also vying for glory.
On the strategy front, Deschamps revealed thoughts on possibly incorporating pressing tactics similar to those utilized at Paris Saint-Germain. “It depends on whether we have the ball. Pressing also needs to be timed correctly, as it demands substantial effort and repetition,” he remarked, indicating his flexible approach as the matches draw near.
The lineup for these incoming confrontations against the Croatians is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, Lucas Chevalier
- Defenders: Jonathan Clauss, Lucas Digne, Théo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
- Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Mattéo Guendouzi
- Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Randal Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram
With expectations running high, the upcoming games symbolize the crossroads for the seasoned players and the exciting debutants alike. Will Mbappé lead his team to success and regain full authority on the field? France's determination to qualify for the next stage hinges on these matches, propelling both the team's ambition and Deschamps's impending legacy before his projected departure after the 2026 World Cup.