Zidane's first squad list: around fifty pre-called players for scarce places

Zinedine Zidane will announce on Friday, at the headquarters of the French Football Federation, his first squad list as France manager. A closely watched moment, as each managerial change can reshuffle the cards within a national team.

After Didier Deschamps’ long reign, Zidane appears keen to make his mark by calling up new faces. In recent days, several names have circulated among the pre-called players: Ismaelo Ganiou (Lens), Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool), Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Estéban Lepaul (Rennes), Pablo Pagis (Paris FC) and Enzo Le Fée (Sunderland). Profiles that reflect a desire for renewal.

It is important to distinguish between pre-call and actual selection. Pre-call is primarily an administrative procedure: it informs clubs that their player may be retained, without guaranteeing his place in the final squad. Around fifty players are said to have been notified.

While these call-ups represent an encouraging first signal for the players involved, they only expand an already dense pool. The 30 to 35 players Deschamps relied on in recent months remain in contention. With four matches scheduled, Zidane should opt for an expanded squad, but places remain limited. Disappointments will, inevitably, be numerous.