N`Zonzi, Pavard feature in French national team lineup

CAIRO – 4 November2017: Steven N'Zonzi, Sevilla player, has been called on Thursday by the French national team coach Didier Deschamps for the national team’s two upcoming friendly matches. France will be playing against Wales on November 10 and Germany on November 14.

It will be the first time N’Zonzi will adorn the French shirt.

Asked about the surprising call for the Sevilla player, Deschamps said that "although he is 28, he has made a good start this season with Sevilla and he is a player who knows very well the position of axial midfielder."

Deschamps announced in a press conference that Benjamin Pavard from Stuttgart will also feature for the first time with the national team.

Anthony Martial, Manchester United striker, will return to wear the blue. He had been off the roster for the past 14 months. Nabil Fekir, captain of Olympique Lyon, will also feature in the French national team.

The list includes Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne from Barcelona, Raphael Varane from Real Madrid and Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.

Some frequently-selected players are absent from the list, including Hugo Lloris, Djibril Sidibé, N'Golo Kanté, Thomas Lemar and Dimitri Payet .

In a recent interview in the French press, Karim Benzema stressed his desire to return to the national team. Deschamps said he has not changed his position on Real Madrid`s player.