Deuce resurfaces in a Roma shirt- nah, it's Jeremy Menez
Laurent Blanc announces a 22 man roster against Norway and a virtually clean slate.
GOALKEEPERS: Nicolas Douchez (Rennes), Stephane Ruffier (Monaco)
DEFENDERS: Aly Cissokho (Lyon), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille), Rod Fanni (Rennes), Philippe Mexes (Roma/ITA), Adil Rami (Lille), Mamadou Sakho (Paris St Germain), Benoit Tremoulinas (Bordeaux)
MIDFIELDERS: Yohan Cabaye (Lille), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid/ESP), Blaise Matuidi (Saint-Etienne), Yann Mvila (Rennes), Samir Nasri (Arsenal/ENG), Charles Nzogbia (Wigan/ENG), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse)
STRIKERS: Hatem Ben Arfa (Marseille), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid/ESP), Jimmy Briand (Lyon), Guillaume Hoarau (Paris St Germain), Jeremy Menez (Roma/ITA), Loic Remy (Nice)
Samir Nasri is back in favour. So are Phillipe Mexes, Lassana Diarra, and Karim Benzema.
Seven of the 22 man squad have never been called up for France. Defenders Mathieu Debuchy, Mamadou Sakho, and Benoit Tremoulinas, midfielders Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi, and Charles Nzogbia and striker Jeremy Menez.
Menez is an excellent choice. He has been outstanding for Roma over the years and it's a wonder he never ever got a call up. Nzogbia has shown he can be brilliant although erratic through his days at Newcastle and now Wigan. This should be a great shot in the arm for Samir Nasri - his selection will be positive for Arsenal as well.
We also get to see Loic Remy, Blaise Matuidi, and Mamadou Sakho who have been linked to the Gunners in the past. I am sure Wenger will be taking notes in the match against Norway next week.
Blanc means business. And with the U19 Euro win for France they have talent loaded for the future.
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