Euro pre-list: 30 players !

[Catel]

Coupet
Frey
Landreau
Mandanda

Escudé
Gallas
Thuram
Sagnol
Abidal
Evra
Squillaci
Boumsong
Clerc
Mexès

L. Diarra
A. Diarra
Makélélé
Toulalan
Vieira
Flamini
Nasri
Ben Arfa
Ribéry

Govou
Henry
Benzema
Anelka
Cissé
Gomis


Happy for Bafé Gomis :p

[Redondo85]

Lloris is injured isn't he? I'm not surprised at all to see Domenech call up Landreau however i would much rather see him cut in favour of Mandanda as i personally don't think he merits a place in the side given how well the other three have performed this season. Defensively Sagnol was always a lock but it's a real shame that Sagna isn't part of the meet but he's still recovering from injury isn't he? Otherwise i'd like to think he would be there ahead of Clerc.

Domenech likes Boumsong but to be honest with i'd much rather cut in favour of others, and if push came to shove i'd much rather see Squillaci in there instead of Escude, i'm also surprised that Gael Clichy wasn't called up to be part of the squad meet, as well as Mathieu Bodmer and Mathieu Valbuena.

Personally i don't think Lilian Thuram is a lock like Viera or Makelele but i'm not disappointed to see him in squad, and i expect him to start but as much as i like him and as determined and passionate as he for the Les Bleus i really want to see Mexes given a starting berth.

I am however really disappointed by the omission of David Trezeguet, i think he would all understand if he were usurped by better players but he's been in brilliant form for Juventus and arguably should be there ahead of Cisse. We're all aware of his conflicts with Domenech but this dosen't sit right with me at all. I don't understand why he didn't at least call him up, especially given the friendlies France have scheduled.

Anyway as far as the whole squad is concerned i would cut Landreau, Boumsong, Escude, Alou and Lassana Diarra, Govou (:() and Gomis.

[I-Got-The-BLUES]

I am however really disappointed by the omission of David Trezeguet, i think he would all understand if he were usurped by better players but he's been in brilliant form for Juventus and arguably should be there ahead of Cisse. We're all aware of his conflicts with Domenech but this dosen't sit right with me at all. I don't understand why he didn't at least call him up, especially given the friendlies France have scheduled.Huge mistake by Domenech, who didn't have much to say about Trezegoal...except it was a decision based on the formation of the team:rolleyes:. Whatever Domenech.

[SportBoy333]

Valbuena should be there. Not fair.

[JediMindTricks]

well, there was a slight hope that trezeguet would get called. but nobody can say it's surprising.

the squad's not that much of a shock. obviously, there are players domenech seems to favor and as a result, it's not surprising to see them there. landreau, boumsong, a.diarra, etc.

[lefutur]

glad to see nasri and ben arfa in there. they've been in good form lately.

[squidward123]

there are too many defensive players in defence and midfield for my liking, but that's nothing new

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

I thought I'd have something to say, but I'm a bit too disappointed to say anything. Well, alright, this isn't the worst list out there, yet while I expected a decent amount of illogic by Domenech, this is a bit trop (too much). Trezeguet, Mexès (even though he is included, I'll explain it after), Clichy and Sagna have well, very good cause to be upset at Domenech's inane (or insane) bias.

Though to keep it short, I essentially agree with Redondo85's analysis. I'd have Sagna ahead of a Clerc who only started about half of his team's games, and while Clerc is certainly improving, Sagna is more explosive while also defensively solid. Clichy I can understand more as bringing three left backs, even if Abidal is capable dans l'axe, wouldn't be entirely sound. Yet one has to feel for Gaël, who didn't do anything to deserve exclusion.

The case of Trezeguet is one that will always divide French fans. There are some who think that he is useless, there are others who want the offense to be built around such an outstanding finisher. As it is, my opinion is that he'd be the ideal striker to bring on in a game which he is well suited, as in, if the opponent is weak aerially, or will allow the midfield enough space so that opportunities are made for him. Though my main reason in arguing for him to be in the team is because he offers a different type of quality from the other main strikers. He is a predatory finisher with a superb aerial game. Benzema can develop into that, and Henry's been finishing better now toward the end of this season than he was at the beginning. Yet I don't think either of them would argue that given an equal amount of meaningful goalscoring opportunities, especially those in the air, Trez would convert as many, if not more, than they would.

I think that some would think it odd that I would say Mexès should not be content despite his being present on the list. Well, to me, it's all in context, as the appearance of Julien Escudé, who is not close to 100% in terms of physical condition, is definitely not a sign of confidence for the Roman gladiator. Domenech has a huge bias toward Escudé, and that he would be included despite not being close to 100% indicates that le sélectionneur may well cut our supreme skilled blond defender.

Wow. This was longer than I thought it would be, but here's the cuts I would make:

Gomis (has had an outstanding second half and outstanding year overall, yet he is too like the other strikers already included)
Boumsong (already has the experience and I am not convinced he isn't prone to errors anymore)
Escudé (not 100% and has not actually played a match in a while, as was not that impressive over this season, anyway, at Sevilla)
Flamini (he is outstanding, but I think Toulalan is even better, while Lassana Diarra has versatility)
Clerc (I admit that despite his improvement, I am not convinced he is worthy of being a Bleu)
Mandanda (a question of the hierarchy, not performance)
Cissé (has been better second half of the season, yet why him over Trez? is adidas behind this, or is it only Raymond's bias?)

Of course, I doubt Clerc or Cissé actually get sent home, though that's a different matter.

[AfrcnHrbMan]

You had to see this coming. Trez was complete pants in his last outing with les bleus. The biggest mistake made here was the exclusion of Sagna. I think thats gonna come back to bite us in the ass. Every other selection seemed expected, though I was hoping Bodmer would sneak in a try out as he's shown some real class in the second half of the season. We currently don't have a player in our selection quite like Bodmer, and it would have madematches very interesting if we had the option to throw him out there as a 60th min substitution. This would be my 23 out those chosen.

Coupet, Frey, Mandanda

Gallas, Thuram, Sagnol, Abidal, Evra, Squillaci, Clerc, Mexès

Makélélé, Toulalan, Vieira, Flamini, Nasri, Ben Arfa, Ribéry

Govou, Henry, Benzema, Anelka, Gomis

[JediMindTricks]

but that's the conundrum with trezeguet (or any forward that plays like him).

was it that he was crap or just he didn't get any service.

since forwards like trez depend so much on service from his teammates, he can literally be a ghost the entire game until he gets that one moment.

i don't think he played that badly against england. he was active, but he never saw the ball.

with that said, i agree with one of the earlier posts in that he does offer something different than the other forwards and could be a good option off the bench given the circumstances.

but i do agree...anyone saw this coming. his ineffective display against england worked for domenech. imagine if he scored a goal or two. there would be an outrage if he wasn't selected.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

I agree with that, and also with AfrcnHrbMan that Sagna could be sorely missed if Sagnol isn't back to his old form. I know he was injured at the end of the season, but I believe Escudé had a worse injury yet he's included. Oh well, I'm coming to grips with everything. I think if Sagnol is what he typically is for France, then it's alright. Likewise, if Benzema isn't that tired, we won't miss Trez, so now I'm hoping that Ben Arfa AND Nasri make the cut as I don't want to be bored to death a month from now. Oh, I hope that Mexès doesn't get cut, either, obviously.

[AfrcnHrbMan]

Keke and Malouda are getting the start in the UCL final.

[Ross2006]

who do you think Domenech will pick against Romania ?

what players and formation ?

not who you think he SHOULD pick, I'd like to know who you think he WILL pick ?

any info would be appreciated

[AfrcnHrbMan]

I'd like to see at least 2 of the warmup matches before I make any commitments personally. There are some question marks in the lineup that I don't think will be figured out until he sees what's he got. Especially at the wingback position and playing with an attack midfielder or not.

[PFloup]

there are too many defensive players in defence and midfield for my liking, but that's nothing new

Exactly.

Why even include Lassana Diarra and Alou Diarra especially when you have a backup like Flamini. Just a waste.

Haven't watched much of Bayern but if Sagnol isn't fit, Domenech is going to REALLY regret not calling up Sagna.

[Inara]

Any word yet on Mexes's injury? He showed up at Tignes with an injury to his knee that he picked up in the Coppa Italia final.

[Fonsos]

This list cracks me up and makes me wonder why I saved the France Football issue from November 20 2007. It's the issue in which France Football lists the 23 whom they thought would get called up to Euro 2008. Now look at this list:

Le Gardien: Coupet
Les Defenseurs: Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal
Les Milieux: Ribery, Vieira, Makelele, Malouda
Les Attaquants: Henry, Anelka

Now the rest:

Les Gardiens: Landreua, Frey
Les Defenseurs: Sagna, Clerc, Mexes, Squillaci, Escude, Givet, Evra, Clichy
Les Milieux: Govou, Ben Arfa, Wiltord, Toulalan, A. Diarra, Diaby, L. Diarra, Flamini, Nasri, Rothen
Les Attaquants: Benzema, Trezeguet, Saha, Cisse

Oh, the headline for this piece was titled "Pour L'Euro, l'embarras du choix"
Now imagine if this was the actual list and think of others whom are not on it and would be worthy of making the list.

The point I'm making is that France has a problem that one other country on the planet has when it comes to selecting players, i.e. Bresil. Riches that are mind boggling and to think France has yet to produce it's greatest team is scary ass hell.

Now, no Trezeguet, I'm not losing sleep and the argument supporting not having him on the team is that he hasn't done much for France the past few years when he's played. His best year for France was in 2003-2004 when he scored 7 goals in 12 matches. Now during the period of 2004 - 2008, he has scored 3 times in 13 matches. Scoring for his club is one thing but he hasn't done it recently and couple this with the fact that you gotta start getting the younger players ready, he's made himself expendable. If he's on the team, I think it's good but if he's not, I'm just not losing sleep. Anelka has been great since he's returned to the French team and even when he hasn't scored, he's done the work off the ball bigtime. People forget that Domenech defended Trezeguet after the England match, so I don't think this is an issue of liking a certain player, I think it's just based on his recent history with the way he's played for France. I also think that Domenech is making sure France doesn't fall into the same situation that Germany and a few others have recently which is keeping the old guard around too long. Yeah, you can mention Thuram and Makelele but they've been solid for France in their roles and are also in leadership positions - Trez isn't. I just hope to see Mexes play because I think he would be a solid replacement for Thuram.

Also don't count Trez out yet, recent French history means someone gets hurt - usually a forward and an opportunity arises for someone else - see Sidney Govou for last World Cup.

A+,
Fonsos

[JediMindTricks]

i think it's safe to count on trez not playing this summer.

there's a reason why domenech names a 30 list squad. if someone gets injured, he'll probably pick another player that was named in the provisional squad.

[phil80]

Exactly.

Why even include Lassana Diarra and Alou Diarra especially when you have a backup like Flamini. Just a waste.

Haven't watched much of Bayern but if Sagnol isn't fit, Domenech is going to REALLY regret not calling up Sagna.
Diarra is a different player than flamini. Much more technically sound and an incredible passer. imo he is the most underrated player on the team and his performances for portsmouth this year highlight that.

[EstebanGranero23]

My pick:

Im sure Mandanda isnt going to make the trip.
At the back, Toto, Boumsong, and Escude can take a hike.
In the middle, Alou Diarra, Ben Arfa wont go.
Upfront it'll be Gomis excluded.

At the back, Boumsong is too error-prone as mentioned before above, and I watched Sevilla a lot this season, Escude isnt that special. And to be very fair and honest, I didnt see Toto much this season, but I was going to pick either Clerc or him, and I like Clerc a little better.

In the middle, Alou Diarra is going up against Makelele, Viera, L.Diarra, Toulalan and Flamini for 2 spots correct?? Dont see it hapening. And I know that Ben Arfa is damn good, but I just never saw in him what I see in Nasri and Benzema.

And upfront, my honesty has to kick in again because I only saw Gomis play once this season, and he was invisible.

Just my opinion people. But what I'd really love is for Clerc and Malouda to also be dropped further to the ones above, and for Trez and Ben Arfa to be included. I know it isnt going to happen though.