France manager Didier Deschamps has explained why he snubbed Manchester United's Anthony Martial and Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette for the 2018 FIFA World Cup squad.
France Announce World Cup Squad
The Les Bleus boss announced his 23-man team on Thursday and has come in for some criticism after leaving Martial and Lacazette out of his plans for the tournament in Russia.
Deschamps has since explained that he felt they just did not do enough to deserve a place in his side and insisted he has many attackers who can all play in different positions.
"They were good against Germany, but the whole team were. And it's still a friendly match, even if it's Germany," he told the Daily Metro.
"I have had these two players in several situations, as starters and substitutes. I have a complete analysis based on what they have shown me and the role they could have in the squad at the World Cup. Alex was injured in March, Anthony was back.
"There is especially strong competition. I consider Giroud, Griezmann, Mbappe and Fekir as axial strikers, even if they can play in other positions.
"Just watch Mbappe's performance in this position against Russia recently. I think there is no point in accumulating multiple players in the same position."
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France's first game at Russia 2018 is against Australia on 16 June, while the other two teams in their group are Peru and Denmark.
Do you think Martial and Lacazette should have been named in France's squad? Let us know in the comments section below.
