**Liverpool’s Jacquet Among New Faces in Zidane’s First France Squad**
Newly appointed France coach Zinedine Zidane has officially announced his first squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, revealing a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent. Among the notable inclusions is Liverpool centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who has made a significant impression during his debut season at Anfield.
Zidane, a legendary figure in French football, returns to the national team with a formidable legacy, having played a pivotal role in France's triumph at the 1998 World Cup. His managerial career has been equally illustrious, highlighted by three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid. With France having recently experienced near-misses in major tournaments, Zidane's appointment comes with high expectations as he aims to convert potential into success on the international stage.
In his first squad announcement, Zidane emphasized his long-standing connection to the French national team. “I’ve always followed the French national team. I have a huge attachment to this team,” he stated during a press conference. He acknowledged the weight of the responsibility he carries, asserting, “I’m fully aware of the task I’ve been given. I’m here to coach this team. There’s no break with the past. It’s a continuation of my ideas.”
The squad features several players receiving their first senior call-ups, including goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, defenders Jacquet and Andy Diouf, midfielder Lucas Da Cunha, and forward Esteban Lepaul. These selections highlight Zidane's commitment to integrating new talent into the team as they prepare for future competitions, including the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup.
While Zidane's squad boasts fresh faces, it also sees the absence of key players such as Aurelien Tchouameni, who is being carefully managed as he returns from injury, and Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram. Despite these omissions, Zidane has retained the leadership of Kylian Mbappe, who remains the captain and is France's all-time leading scorer with 66 international goals.
Zidane's first match in charge will take place on September 25, where France will face Turkey in Izmit. Following this fixture, the team will travel to Belgium before hosting Italy and Belgium in October. The upcoming matches will serve as a crucial test for Zidane as he seeks to establish his vision for the team and lay the groundwork for future success.
As France embarks on this new chapter under Zidane's leadership, the footballing world will be watching closely to see how the blend of youth and experience shapes the national team's performance in the Nations League and beyond.