Maghnes Akliouche named as Deschamps unveils France’s 26 for World Cup | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps has named France’s 26 for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. According to Nice-Matin, the squad, revealed on TF1’s 20 Heures, includes a surprise call for Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser and the expected selection of Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

Since 2010, France’s World Cup lists have appeared on TF1’s evening news, a tradition started by Raymond Domenech. Deschamps kept it for his final squad announcement before handing over.

Akliouche is rewarded for a fine Monaco campaign, with seven goals and nine assists in 42 games. He impressed in the Champions League play-off second leg against Paris Saint-Germain in February, a 2-2, then in March, 1-3 at the Parc des Princes.

Called up in September, the 24-year-old took time to settle but has since grown. In October he assisted Jean-Philippe Mateta in a 2-2 in Iceland, then netted his first goal in Azerbaijan a month later, a 1-3. He shone again in March against Colombia, creating for Marcus Thuram and featuring in all three French goals in a 3-1.

Risser, of Lens, receives his first senior call-up to Les Bleus. He joins the group that will chase a third star this summer from 11 June to 19 July.

In cases of serious injury or illness, Deschamps may change the list until 15 June, the day before France play Senegal. Any replacement must come from the 35 to 55-man pre-list submitted to FIFA before 11 May, and only a goalkeeper can be replaced at any time.

Source: Nice-Matin