orld Cup 2022 LIVE: France squad includes Youssouf Fofana and Raphael Varane with USA to come

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was widely discussed as the successor to Hugo Lloris in France’s goal, but he was not fit enough to make it to the World Cup and so the third goalkeeper place was given to highly experienced Steve Mandanda.

He is one of the many key defenders to miss alongside a few young talents who have been given international experience by Deschamps in the last 18 months, such as Ferland Mendy of Real Madrid, Wesley Fofana of Chelsea and Benoit Badiashile of Monaco who currently shine in Ligue 1.

The midfielder chooses himself for lack of options after injuries that were mainstays of N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba. If France are to defend their World Cup crown in Qatar, they will most likely have to make do with a new-looking midfielder that requires Real Madrid’s young duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni to step up.

The forward unit has variety and balance, with the pace of Kingsley Coman and Kylian Mbappe, the cunning of Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele, the finish by Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema, as well as the physical presence and great experience of Olivier Giroud.

France has selected Arsenal’s defender William Saliba and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate to a roster full of talent. Olivier Giroud has also been selected, with Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to lead the attack threat. Raphael Varane from Manchester United has been included in the squad despite his recent injury.

Some Premier League congratulations:

France confirmed the squad! This is a ‘provisional’ list of 25, so there is still time to add another player if Didier Deschamps decides.

goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Rennes), Alphonse Areola (West Ham).

advocates: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Raphael Varane (Manchester United), William Saliba (Arsenal), Presnel Kimpembe (PSG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan) ) ), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich).

midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Matteo Guendouzi (Marseille), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Jordan Veretout (Marseille).

Striker: Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan).

Wales will play in their first World Cup in Qatar since 1958. Let’s take a closer look at the players that make up Robert Page’s 26-man cast:

When asked about Gareth Bale’s fitness, Rob Page says: “I’m not really bothered. It came after he scored a really important goal for Los Angeles. He returned to the country. He is suitable. No matter how many minutes he’s played for his club before, every time he shows up for us, he always surrenders, so I’m not worried.”

Rubin Colwill, 20, of Cardiff City, will be making his second call to Euro 2020 last year, making his second major, despite an injury-filled season and only nine appearances in all competitions.

Striker Tyler Roberts missed the Queens Park Rangers loan following a calf injury, and Rabbi Matondo was ejected as he started only five games after moving to the Rangers.

Wales will kick off their World Cup campaign against the United States on November 21 and will also face Iran and England in Group B.

Wales manager Rob Page announced the country’s first World Cup squad in 64 years on Wednesday, calling veterans Gareth Bale and Joe Allen despite fitness concerns.

Bale, Wales’ all-time top scorer with 40 goals in 108 international appearances, admitted he was still not 100% despite a crucial late goal in Los Angeles FC’s MLS Cup final victory last weekend.

He remains the talisman of Wales, though, and played an important role in leading them to the World Cup, scoring all three goals in their playoffs against Austria and Ukraine.

Playing 72 times, Allen has been in good form for Swansea City this season but has not played since 17 September due to injury and the club has confirmed that he will not play before the World Cup.

goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Sheffield United)

advocates: Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town), Joe Rodon (Rennes, loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mephan (Bournemouth), Ethan Ampadu (Spezia, loan from Chelsea), Chris Gunter (Wimbledon), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Connor Roberts (Burnley)

midfielders: Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town), Joe Allen (Swansea City), Matthew Smith (Milton Keynes Dons), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Aaron Ramsey (Beautiful), Rubin Colwill (City of Cardiff)

Striker: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Mark Harris (Cardiff City), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Dan James (Fulham, on loan from Leeds United)

Joe Allen was included in the squad despite his injury struggles. Mark Harris is selected from the forwards, while Tom Lockyer and Ben Cabango are among the defenders.