Arsenal star William Saliba will start for France tonight as Les Blues begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Austria.
Saliba, 23, has enjoyed two wonderful seasons at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s defence, establishing himself as one of the best centre-halves in Europe and playing a vital role in his side’s title challenges.
But he has struggled to force his way into the first-team at international level. France head coach Didier Deschamps has persistently favoured Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate in his starting XI, with Saliba starting just two of his country’s last 18 games heading into the summer.
Deschamps has previously defended his handling of the Gunners star, recently explaining there are aspects of his game ‘he does not like’.
His international prospects looked to be improving having been handed a start in France’s final warm-up game against Canada with L’Equipe now reporting he will be in the starting XI for their Group D opener tonight.
He will partner Bayern Munich defender Upamecano at the back.
Speaking to The Athletic last week, Deschamps said of Saliba: ‘William is one of the very best defenders in the Premier League.
‘I want him to do what he does very well at Arsenal. He had a very, very good season.
‘He played many matches, especially with his partner Gabriel, and they were a fundamental part of what Arsenal did this season, particularly in the defensive aspect.
‘With us, he has not had the same playing time. There are automatisms which develop through playing matches together. You have repetition and understanding.
Expected France XI vs Austria tonight
Maignan, Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, T.Hernandez, Griezmann, Kanté, Rabiot, Dembélé, Mbappé, Thuram.
‘With a national team, we always have so little time, but now they have the possibility of living together for a few weeks and that is even better.’
Adrian Rabiot will also start in midfield despite an injury scare in training on Sunday.
Kylian Mbappe meanwhile sat out of training on Thursday alongside Kinglsey Coman after the French camp was hit with a virus. The France captain will start tonight, however.
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