Mateta Earns His First France Call-Up
Didier Deschamps named the France squad for the upcoming fixtures, delivering a welcome milestone for a promising forward. Mateta receives his first senior invitation, a moment the coach framed as the next step in a long journey. Deschamps stressed that the door remains open and that a first cap is not a guarantee of minutes, but a signal that a player is getting closer to becoming an active contributor at the very highest level. He warned that the initial hurdle is simply to wear the Monaco jersey on the pitch and demonstrate that he can handle international tempo with the necessary calm and intensity.
In his remarks, Deschamps highlighted the attributes that make Mateta a credible option: pace, power, and an ability to stretch opposition defenses. He suggested that the Axial role in his system can play to a forward’s strengths when given freedom, and that Mateta’s evolution within the national side will be measured by how well he integrates with the group and adapts to a demanding schedule.
Thauvin and Tolisso Out
Along with the Mateta inclusion, the coach announced that Florian Thauvin and Corentin Tolisso would not be part of the current selection. Deschamps framed selection as a process: “There will be supporters and critics. If it evolves and there is this possibility, we will use him.” The manager emphasized that decisions are not taken in isolation but are the result of ongoing assessment, balancing experience with opportunities for younger players, and guided by current form and the need to keep the group cohesive and focused.
For Thauvin and Tolisso, the message was clear: today’s squad is not a fixed pantheon but a live organism that shifts with injuries, club form, and tactical needs. Deschamps noted that omitting established players can be unavoidable in order to preserve balance and longevity across a hectic international calendar.
Squad Balance: Freedom for the Attack, Guarding the Core
The French coach also spoke about how the attackers fit into the system. Mateta, described as an attacking player who can operate with freedom in the center, embodies a profile the team can deploy in multiple ways depending on the opponent. Deschamps said that the attack must combine autonomy with responsibility, allowing players to influence the game while maintaining discipline in defense. He also alluded to the leadership within the squad, noting that one player has assumed captaincy duties and carries the expectations of the group with commitment.
Injury News and Availability
The briefing touched on the precarious balance between selection and fitness. Hugo Ekitike, who earned a first call-up in September, could miss the upcoming matches due to a setback. The concerns extend to Marcus Thuram of Inter, who is managing a left-thigh issue and could miss the October fixtures against Azerbaijan and Iceland. Deschamps stressed that call-ups must align with medical protocols and that players’ club form must be weighed against their capacity to contribute for France.
A Glimpse Ahead: Continuity and Fresh Options
Deschamps reiterated that the core trio of regulars will continue to be evaluated, but the door remains open for new names if they prove their worth. He cautioned that the current hierarchy is not carved in stone and could shift if new elements deliver the required performances. The message to supporters is clear: the national team strives for continuity where it counts while keeping space for promising talents to emerge and challenge the established order.
Ultimately, the selection process is a careful synthesis of medical screenings, club form, and the strategic aim of maximizing a successful run of fixtures. For fans, Mateta’s first call-up signals a fresh chapter for the France national team — one that blends the experience of veterans with the energy of a new generation, all under the watchful eye of Didier Deschamps as the team eyes the next set of international challenges.
