Didier Deschamps explains Alexandre Lacazette’s absence from France squad | OneFootball

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·31 May 2023

Didier Deschamps explains Alexandre Lacazette’s absence from France squad

Article image:Didier Deschamps explains Alexandre Lacazette’s absence from France squad

Despite pushing Kylian Mbappé all the way in the Ligue 1 scoring charts – he has 27 goals so far this season – Alexandre Lacazette has been overlooked by Didier Deschamps for the France squad that will take part in next month’s Euro 2024 qualifying double header.

The former Arsenal man has been absent from the national team since 2017, and remains on a total of 16 senior caps, for three goals scored. Speaking at his press conference following the squad announcement, Deschamps has confirmed that he was keeping an eye on Lacazette’s performances since his return to Lyon this year, but that there was nevertheless too much competition in his position for him to be rewarded with a spot with in the France squad.


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“It’s good for him that he’s scored that many goals. He’s been playing more than last year. He’s always had that goalscoring quality. There’s a lot of competition in that position, as well. I can’t bring three or four players for the same position. We’re still following him. Every position is doubled up. Right now, Olivier Giroud and Randal Kolo Muani are the two who occupy that position.”

Despite Lyon’s middling performances this season, Lacazette is in the form of his life – he has only bettered his current 31-goal haul twice before. He can equal his best-ever Ligue 1 return with a goal on the final day, away at Nice.

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