Overview
- Didier Deschamps confirmed Lucas Chevalier will be involved against Azerbaijan and multiple outlets report he is expected to start, marking his first senior cap.
- France are already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and Deschamps said this is the moment to make many changes to manage workloads and assess options.
- Europe 1 reports the manager is poised to change the entire XI from the Ukraine win, citing expected starts for several fringe players alongside Chevalier.
- Chevalier, 24, has been in the squad since November 2024 and his elevation places him ahead of Mike Maignan for this match, with Brice Samba further down the order.
- Kylian Mbappé has left the camp with an ankle issue, Eduardo Camavinga is out, and Manu Koné is suspended, contributing to the reshaped lineup.