Brifing

Zidane Announces France Squad Featuring Surprise Call-up Pablo Pagis

France prepares for Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey with returning key stars.

2 sources2 min

1Zidane Unveils National Roster

Zinedine Zidane has officially announced the French national squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. The team is scheduled to face Italy and Turkey in high-stakes encounters. This selection process marks a critical phase for the squad as they integrate returning talent alongside fresh faces for these international fixtures.

2Surprise Call for Pagis

Paris FC striker Pablo Pagis has received his first-ever call-up to the senior French national team. His inclusion is considered a surprise addition to the roster by observers. Pagis will now compete for minutes against established international forwards as Zidane looks to diversify his attacking options for the upcoming matches.

3Key Players Return

The squad announcement confirms the return of several vital players who were previously sidelined due to injuries. Kylian Mbappé is among the notable names back in the fold for France. Their return provides a significant boost to the team's depth and tactical flexibility ahead of the challenging matches against Italy.

4Brothers Join Three Lions

Across the channel, England head coach Thomas Tuchel has finalized his own squad selections. Jobe Bellingham has been named to the team alongside his older brother, Jude Bellingham. Notably, Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has been excluded from this specific international roster, signaling a shift in Tuchel's current tactical preferences.

5Ronaldo Retires Internationally

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, ending a legendary career with Portugal. Despite this decision, the forward continues his professional club career. He remains focused on achieving the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals, a target that continues to drive his performance on the pitch.

6Ligue 1 Match Updates

Domestic football action continues as Toulouse secured a 3-1 victory over Strasbourg. Meanwhile, league leaders PSG are preparing to extend their winning streak against Troyes. This follows PSG's emphatic victory over Villarreal in the Champions League, maintaining their strong momentum as they balance domestic duties with their European campaign commitments.

7Premier League Standings Shift

Everton has climbed to fifth place in the Premier League table after a comeback win against Coventry. Thierno Barry played a pivotal role in this result, continuing his excellent goalscoring form. The victory highlights the competitive nature of the current league standings as teams fight for European qualification spots.

8Paris Masters Tennis Drama

Carlos Alcaraz reached the Paris Masters semi-finals after a remarkable comeback against Taylor Fritz, saving two match points. He is now set to face Casper Ruud for a spot in the final. This tournament performance underscores Alcaraz's resilience under pressure as he navigates the late stages of the competition.

Original article: France 24 – International — Zidane Announces France Squad Featuring Surprise Call-up Pablo Pagis