Broad smiles, cries of joy, his name chanted in the locker room. This is what Brice Samba was entitled to on Thursday at the start of the afternoon after the announcement of the group of the France team for the March rally (match on March 24 against the Netherlands and March 27 against Ireland). For the very first time, Didier Deschamps summoned the Lensois. His club immediately posted a video on social media. The goalkeeper learns the news there and receives an ovation from his partners.
The 28-year-old is having a very good season in Ligue 1 with RC Lens. Arrived this summer from Nottingham Forest, he fully contributes to the third place of the Sang et Or in the standings. Franck Haise’s players also have the best defense in the championship with 21 goals conceded. His call to the France team was expected. Since the announcement of the international retirement of Hugo Lloris in January, a goalkeeper spot had become available.
Three newcomers to the Blues
The other two doormen called are Mike Maignan, promised to the position of number one and Alphonse Areola. The hierarchy is not yet established with the latter. In addition to Brice Samba, two other players will discover the French group during this gathering: Wesley Fofana and Khéphren Thuram. In total, 18 of the 24 players present at the 2022 World Cup are in the game.
Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda and Raphaël Varane have all announced their international retirement. Axel Disasi and Mattéo Guendouzi were not selected. As for Ousmane Dembélé, he is injured. While waiting to find out if he will play his first minutes in the blue jersey, Samba took advantage of the news with his Lensois partners. But before joining Clairefontaine, he will play with his club on Saturday at 9 p.m. RC Lens will receive Angers.