Deschamps opts for youth over experience

FRANCE coach Didier Deschamps has named his first squad since reaching the European Championship final with left-back Patrice Evra among several high-profile omissions.

Lyon duo Alexandre Lacazette and Nabil Fekir have been recalled to the 23-man squad for a friendly against Italy in Bari on September 1 and a World Cup qualifier against Belarus in Borisov five days later.

Lille full back Sebastien Corchia could make his international debut alongside uncapped duo Djibril Sidibe and Alphonse Areola. Layvin Kurzawa and fit-again Raphael Varane were also included.

Seven members of the Euro 2016 squad were left out.

Captain Hugo Lloris and Kingsley Coman are injured, while Bacary Sagna and Christophe Jallet also have fitness concerns.

Evra, Eliaquim Mangala and Morgan Schneiderlin were dropped and there was no return for striker Karim Benzema.

“I need to start thinking about the World Cup in two years’ time,” said Deschamps yesterday, when asked about Evra’s omission. “I need to give playing time to younger players who can improve.” – Reuters