Out with the old and in with the new

August 23rd, 2010 | by: Jean-François | View Comments

It’s almost September, and that can only mean one thing, Euro 2012 qualifiers. Laurent Blanc has an immense task ahead of him. He must create a new squad using the inexperienced squad that faced Norway and the Mondialists. If that isn’t a hard enough task, add all of the suspensions and injuries that France is currently burdened with, and Les Bleus have some serious problems.

Unfortunately there are no more friendlies to experiment with anymore. It’s now or never. France will face Belarus on September 3rd and then Bosnia on September 7th. Count on Me, Jeff, or Sarah to write previews for these matches as they come closer.

The biggest issue for Blanc is that all of our potential “#10s” will not be able to play. Yoann Gourcuff is suspended because of his red card against South Africa. Samir Nasri is out due to injury. Ribery is out due to suspension from the FFF. Le President must find a formation that can work without these players. My suggestion would be something similar to what Chelsea play, a 4-3-3. This formation would best use France’s players on the wings, so there would be no need for a play-maker in the middle.

I suspect that Laurent Blanc will choose one squad to face both teams, Mainly because the matches are only a few days apart. Below are the players from the previous squads that are eligible for a call up:

Mondialists: Lloris, Mandanda, Carrasso, Sagna, Abidal, Reveillere, Gallas, Planus, Squillaci, Clichy, Malouda, A. Diarra, Diaby, Valbuena, Cisse, Govou, Gignac.

Blanc’s First Squad: Douchez, Ruffier, Tremoulinas, Sakho, Rami, Mexes, Debuchy, Fanni, Cissokho, L. Diarra, Matuidi, M’vila, N’Zogbia, Cabaye, Sissoko, Remy, Menez, Hoarau, Benzema, Ben Arfa, Briand.

Other Possible Choices: Trezeguet, Koscielny, Saha, Escude, Ciani, Boumsong, Landreau, Frey, Kakuta, Griezmann, Lacazette, Bakambu, N’gog, Cheyrou, Gamiero.

Ineligible (Various Reasons): Gourcuff, Nasri, Evra, Ribery, Toulalan, Anelka, Henry

Which 23 player would you call up? Which formation is best? Please let me know what you think by commenting below!