Anthony Martial is expected to be named in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the Nations League games against Sweden and Croatia next month.
Martial hasn’t made an appearance for his country since March 2018 and missed out on the squad that achieved World Cup glory in Russia four months later.
The 24-year-old has been left out in the cold by Deschamps for a long period of time and is fully deserving of a call-up after outperforming other elite French strikers in the 2019/20 season.
Martial enjoyed his best goalscoring season for Manchester United in 2019/20, netting 23 times in all competitions despite missing an eight-week period through injury.
In contrast, Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette scored just 12 goals and Deschamps’ preferred option Olivier Giroud scored just nine after playing a sporadic role at Chelsea.
It’s unclear whether Martial will operate in his preferred central role or out on the left-flank if utilised, as many still believe he is more dangerous cutting in from out wide.
The early news of Martial’s inclusion in the French squad was confirmed by reputable journalist Julien Laurens, who also revealed first call-ups for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar and coveted RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano.
France face Sweden on September 5 then one up against Croatia three days later.
Didier Deschamps announces today his squad for France’s next 2 games (Sweden & Croatia). Houssem Aouar and Dayot Upamecano will be called up for the first time and deservedly so. Jules Koundé and Eduardo Camavinga might have to wait a bit longer. Anthony Martial will be back.
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) August 27, 2020
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