Deschamps snubs Meslier for France squad as Leeds star too important to U21s

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Didier Deschamps snubbed Illan Meslier for France’s March squad as the Leeds United star is too important for their U21s. But the goalkeeper is in line to replace Hugo Lloris one day.

That is according to Foot Mercato, which reports Espoirs boss Sylvain Ripoll deems Meslier an essential player. He is relying on the 23-year-old to act as Les Bleus’ last line of defence at this summer’s European U21 Championship and over their warm-up fixtures this month.

France’s U21 side face England and Spain in friendlies on March 25 and 28. Ripoll is keen to use the fixtures to build some cohesion amongst his team for the UEFA tournament held in Germany. Les Espoirs only reached the quarter-finals of the 2021 edition under the coach.

Why did Deschamps snub Meslier from France’s March squad?

Meslier started as France lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Euro U21 Championship. It marked the Leeds star’s debut at the U21 level but he has remained Ripoll’s first-choice shot-stopper since. The Lorient native has earned nine U21 caps so far.

But Meslier’s importance for Ripoll’s U21 squad meant Deschamps snubbed the Leeds star for France’s senior side this month. Les Bleus will face the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland on March 24 and 27 over their opening two of 10 qualifying meetings for Euro 2024.

The fixtures also mark France’s first games without Lloris after the Tottenham Hotspur ace retired following the World Cup. He had been Les Bleus’ No1 since 2009 and their captain since 2011. The 36-year-old and 2018 World Cup winner earned 145 caps over his career.

The Leeds star is in line to replace Lloris as Les Bleus’ No1 in the future

Deschamps is also without Steve Mandanda after the 37-year-old retired from France duty following the 2022 World Cup. So, Les Bleus named Alphonse Areola of West Ham United, Mike Maignan of AC Milan and Brice Samba of RC Lens in their March international squad.

Meslier, who former Aston Villa goalkeeper coach Neil Cutler recently called ‘fantastic’ for Leeds, is in line to replace Lloris as France’s No1 in the future, though. Deschamps is likely to usher the Whites star into his fold following his final U21 appearances during the Euros.