France head coach Didier Deschamps has released the squad for the Nations League semi-finals against Spain, with Rayan Cherki earning his first-ever call-up.
Having represented Les Bleus at youth levels, the Lyon youngster has made the cut in the senior team squad for the first time.
There has been speculation that Cherki could switch his allegiance to Algeria, but that wouldn’t come to fruition if he made his debut with France next month.
The prodigious talent has finally grabbed Deschamps’ attention following his stellar campaign with Lyon this season.
Cherki has stood out with his mesmerising performances, bagging 12 goals and 20 assists in all competitions.
He is also one of the hottest properties in the transfer market after announcing his departure from Lyon this summer.
Several European heavyweights, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, are interested in Cherki, who is available for a bargain fee of €22.5 million.
Rated as one of the promising talents that France has ever produced, the 21-year-old will be eager to make his mark with the first team next month.
Cherki has been touted as a long-term successor of Antoine Griezmann, who retired from international football in September.
Deschamps’ men will face Spain in the semi-finals. The winners face Portugal and Germany in the final.
Sevilla defender Loic Bade and AC Milan’s Pierre Kalulu – currently on loan at Juventus – have also been summoned by the French senior team for the first time.
Deschamps has enlisted a star-studded attack, consisting of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue.
William Saliba and Jules Kounde are among the notable absentees due to injury problems.
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate will spearhead the defence, while Clement Lenglet, Theo Hernandez, Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard have been included in the squad.
Mike Maignan is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper, while Lille’s Lucas Chevalier will serve as his deputy.
