Crystal Palace pair achieve World Cup dream as France squad revealed | OneFootball

Chelsea legend also makes the cut in Didier Deschamps’ team

Mateta and Lacroix have played pivotal roles for Palace this season, helping the Eagles reach the Europa Conference League final.

Lacroix has been a mainstay under Oliver Glasner and was promoted to vice-captain following the departure of Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January.

The 26-year-old made his debut for France during the March international break, coming off the bench as Didier Deschamps’ side beat Brazil 2-1 in Massachusetts, USA despite being reduced to 10-men.

Lacroix then played the full 90 as France beat Colombia 3-1 in a friendly in Maryland.

Jean-Philippe Mateta overcame a knee injury to make the World Cup squad

Mateta’s World Cup hopes appeared to be in doubt at the turn of the year after the 28-year-old’s protracted move to AC Milan fell through after a failed medical.

As Standard Sport reported in December, Mateta had been playing through a knee injury, which was subsequently identified by Milan during his medical.

Despite missing two months of action, including the March international break, Mateta did not undergo surgery and has returned to form and fitness with Palace in recent weeks.

Mateta’s inclusion means Tottenham forward Randal Kolo Muani misses out, though he may struggle for minutes as he plays second fiddle to Kylian Mbappe. There are also no places for Eduardo Camavinga or Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.

Former Eagle Michael Olise has made the squad after a superb campaign with Bayern Munich.

Elsewhere, Chelsea legend N’Golo Kante has been called up alongside present Blue Malo Gusto.

France start their World Cup campaign against Senegal on June, 16 before facing Iraq and Norway. Deschamps’ side will be based out of Boston, Massachusetts during the tournament.

Goalkeepers: Maignan, Risser, Samba

Defenders: Digne, Gusto, L. Hernández, T. Hernández, Konaté, Koundé, Lacroix, Saliba, Upamecano

Midfielders: Kanté, Koné, Rabiot, Tchouaméni, Zaïre-Emery

Forwards: Akliouche, Barcola, Cherki, Dembélé, Doué, Mateta, Mbappé, Olise, Thuram