France World Cup squad announced as Saliba, Konate, Varane learn fate

William Saliba will play for France at the Qatar World Cup (Image: GETTY IMAGES)William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate and Raphael Varane have all been included in the France squad for the Qatar World Cup. However, Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has missed out on a place in Didier Deschamps’ selection. Managers are naming their final 26-man squads for the winter tournament, which begins on November 20. Reigning champions France have typically taken a strong team with a couple of high-profile stars excluded. There are only five Premier League players picked by Deschamps. Tottenham and West Ham goalkeepers Hugo Lloris and Alphonse Areola are in the squad. Arsenal’s Saliba, Liverpool’s Konate and Man Utd’s Varane provide plenty of strength at centre-back. There is no place for the Red Devils attacker Martial, with Deschamps able to call upon plenty of World Cup talent in forward areas. Martial started pre-season as Erik ten Hag’s first-choice striker but picked up an unfortunate Achilles injury just before the start of the Premier League campaign. The 26-year-old has started just once in the top-flight and has scored twice – with both strikes coming in the 6-3 Manchester derby defeat. Nor is there a position for former United midfielder Paul Pogba. The 29-year-old, who scored in the 2018 final triumph over Croatia, announced last week that he would not play in Qatar due to an ongoing thigh problem, which has plagued his start to life with Juventus. Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is among the big names included in the France squad. He could start in attack alongside PSG star Kylian Mbappe, Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, or Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele. We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/footballStay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.