Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Didier Deschamps has warned that the absence from his first France squad of the four players disciplined following the European Championship is an indication of the standards he expects.
Paris St Germain forward Jeremy Menez and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri were suspended for one and three games respectively after a French Football Federation hearing into their conduct during the tournament, which France exited at the quarter-final stage against eventual champions Spain.
Midfielders Yann M'Vila and Hatem Ben Arfa escaped with warnings but all four were absent from the 22-man party named by Deschamps this morning for the August 15 friendly against Uruguay.
He told L'Equipe: "Nobody has been discarded, it is a logical and coherent decision due to my expectations of the players in terms of their attitude.
"They have to understand this decision - and those who are selected, or who may be in the future, have to take the message on board as well."
Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye and Valencia defender Adil Rami are ruled out by injury while Philippe Mexes, Rami's central defensive partner in Poland and Ukraine this summer, was also missing.
Deschamps has handed first call-ups to defenders Raphael Varane and Christophe Jallet and Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue.
And he said: "Raphael Varane has quality and potential and plays for a very big club. This will allow me to watch him for three or four days.
"Where Capoue and Jallet are concerned, my choice is down to the performances they have produced for their clubs. They will have the chance to discover the national team environment."
A delighted Jallet responded: "I have always said the day I am called up would be a reward for hard work. I am delighted to receive (the call). I hope it goes well and that there will be more.
"It's a new coach and therefore a chance for everyone to show what they can do. There are a lot of new and recalled players.
"In life, when you have your chance you have to try to take it."
In a much-changed squad featuring just 12 of the Euro 2012 group, there are also recalls for Lille captain Rio Mavuba and Lyon forward Jimmy Briand as well as Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, who was in Laurent Blanc's provisional squad but missed the final cut.
Deschamps added: "Mavuba plays for a big club in France and has played in the Champions League.
"He has performed well and is the captain of Lille. That is enough to earn a place in the France squad."
Mavuba, who last played for Les Bleus in 2007 and has not featured in a squad since 2009, said: "These last few days, my name has often been mentioned, but until the selector calls you, you are waiting and waiting.
"When I heard my name, I was proud."
The former Marseille coach insists he had no hesitation in selecting Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, who faces a likely reunion with Luis Suarez after the Liverpool forward courted controversy during the close season by reopening last season's race row between the pair.
Deschamps said: "(Evra) was a logical choice.
"It is not a lack of options that pushed me into picking him - a player like Jeremy Mathieu has performed equally well with Valencia.
"I know Patrice well. He plays for Manchester United, he is a regular starter, he plays 45 games per season and he is sometimes captain.
"With (Gael) Clichy at Manchester City, I have two players of a high level."
Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff was overlooked, though Deschamps admitted the talented but enigmatic playmaker is on his rader.
"I have an eye on Gourcuff but I would rather take some time before making a decision on him," he said.
France squad to face Uruguay on August 15:
Lloris, Mandanda; Clichy, Debuchy, Evra, Jallet, Koscielny, Sakho, Varane, Yanga-Mbiwa; Capoue, Gonalons, Martin, Matuidi, Mavuba, Valbuena; Benzema, Briand, Giroud, Gomis, Payet, Ribery.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments