Deschamps confirms Mbappe is the leading candidate to become France's captain

Deschamps announced his squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.

Former

captain Hugo Lloris retired from international football after the World Cup, and Deschamps said

is among the candidates to become captain of France.

"There are some that I consider possible,"

said Deschamps

. "Kylian is one of them.

"This will go through discussions with them before I make my decision. There is a responsibility in relation to being captain, with a little more important responsibility, but I want to have this discussion internally before I make my decision."

Deschamps also said Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot is not ready to lead the team.

He said:

”Even if he has some experience, we know him well, as it is he has a possible form of leadership. But the captaincy, I don't know if he really wants it deep down. To let him stay as he is already will be very good."

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, and Lens goalkeeper Brice Samba, all earned call-ups. The 36-year-old striker

has also been invited to the squad.

"As long as he maintains his level of performance with his club and remains eligible for selection, he is there,"

Deschamps said.

Ousmane Dembele, Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante, and Christopher Nkunku have been left out of the squad due to injuries.

Deschamps said:

"I always remain positive and knowing NG and Paul, they will do everything to become competitive again."

France’s manager also insisted that they should not underestimate their opponents.

He said:

"We must not tell ourselves that we are already qualified for the Euros because we were in the final of the World Cup. We must not rest on our laurels.”

France squad:

Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Mike Maignan (Milan), Brice Samba (Lens); Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Theo Hernandez (Milan), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich); Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Khephren Thuram (Nice), Jordan Veretout (Marseille); Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen), Olivier Giroud (Milan), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach).

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