Le Parisien have posted a list of 20 players that will be in Didier Deschamps’ France squad to go to the World Cup – Leeds man Illan Meslier is overlooked, but West Ham’s Alphonse Areola and Tottenham star Hugo Lloris are picked.
There had been some late calls for Meslier to be given the nod. A regular for France’s Under-21 side, Meslier is yet to get a senior call-up. An inclusion in Deschamps’ France squad looks unlikely, and probably a bit too soon for Meslier.
Deschamps will name his side on Thursday along with many other countries, including England. The five goalkeepers in the running are Lloris, Areola, Milan’s Mike Maignan, Meslier and then Albin Lafont – impressing at Ligue 1 side Nantes.
Le Parisien have reported a 20-strong list of players, that are definitely going to be included. They name three stoppers Deschamps will pick – Areola, Lloris and Maignan. It seems, Meslier will not be on the plane to the 2022 World Cup.
Le Parisien have posted list of 20 players – Leeds man Meslier overlooked
A shame for Meslier. While he has only kept two clean sheets in the Premier League this season, that is largely down to Jesse Marsch’s style of play. He has produced some wonderful performances, the 2-1 win over Liverpool standing out.
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He was superb, denying Darwin Nunez on plenty of occasions – as well as Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino. But it does seem it is not enough. Lloris continues as captain, and Maignan is seen as the next Lloris’ in goal, over the long-term.
Indeed, it is likely to be Lloris’ last World Cup at 35. Meanwhile, West Ham’s back-up goalkeeper Areola is set to get the nod over Meslier – despite being cover for Lukasz Fabianski. Meslier will have to wait for his first France call-up.
