Didier Deschamps has sparked widespread debate after leaving out Corentin Tolisso from his latest France squad announcement, despite the Lyon midfielder enjoying what he described as the strongest season of his career.
The omission comes as Deschamps named a 26-man group for upcoming international duty, with selection choices appearing to prioritise tactical fit and squad balance over experience and recent club form.
Tolisso, who captains Lyon, was widely expected to be in contention after a standout campaign in which he delivered his most productive numbers to date.
The midfielder scored 11 goals in Ligue 1, the highest tally of his career, while also contributing four goals in seven Europa League appearances. He finished the season strongly, directly involved in seven goals across his final five league matches, with four goals and three assists.
Despite those performances, he was not included in the final squad list, underlining the highly competitive nature of midfield selection under Deschamps.
The France coach acknowledged the midfielder’s strong form but explained that selection decisions were based on specific tactical requirements and the need to build a balanced squad for the tournament.
The decision also reflects a broader shift within the national team setup, with several experienced names left out in favour of emerging talent. The current squad reportedly includes 13 players who have yet to feature in a World Cup, signalling a gradual transition toward a younger core.
Tolisso expressed disappointment at the decision but remained determined to continue pushing for future selection, stating he would keep working to earn another opportunity at international level.
While the setback is significant for the Lyon midfielder, Deschamps’ direction is clear as France prepares for a new cycle, blending established stars with a rising generation in pursuit of another deep tournament run.
