Payet, Martial, Lacazette, Benzema out, Nzonzi in - Deschamps names surprise France squad

There were always likely to be big-name casualties, owing to the enviable strength in depth that 'Les Bleus' can count upon and so it proved, with Dimitri Payet, Anthony Martial, Alexandre Lacazette, Adrien Rabiot and Kingsley Coman among those to have missed out.

The biggest shock was Sevilla star Nzonzi being preferred to PSG's Rabiot. The 29-year-old has just two France caps to his name and only made his debut last year, but was given the nod in the engine room at the expense of the 23-year-old.

Somewhat less surprising were the inclusions of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann, who look likely to lead France's attempts to reach the summit of international football.

Despite the rumours, Real Madrid star Karim Benzema was not handed a recall, menaing his summer will end after 'Los Blancos' face Liverpool in the Champions League final in Kiev on May 26.

In defence, versatile Stuttgart man Benjamin Pavard was included, along with the fit-again Benjamin Mendy and PSG youngster Presnel Kimpembe.

The squad in full: 

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda and Alphonse Aréola

Defenders: Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, Presnel Kimpembe, Benjamin Mendy, Adil Rami, Lucas Hernandez, Benjamin Pavard and Djibril Sidibé.

Midfielders: Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi, Steven N'Zonzi, N'Golo Kanté and Corentin Tolisso.

Forwards: Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Nabil Fekir, Thomas Lemar, Florian Thauvin, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé.

Standby: Alexandre Lacazette, Kingsley Coman, Lucas Digne, Anthony Martial, Adrien Rabiot, Mamadou Sakho, Moussa Sissoko and Kurt Zouma.