Blanc calls up Bleus' stars

[FRANCE] French national team coach Laurent Blanc called up 22 players for his team’s friendlies against the USA andBelgium to begin its preparations for Euro 2012. The only newcomer is Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud. Notable absentees include Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, France’s captain during its calamitous 2010 World Cup campaign, and Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff.

Blanc’s selections include Eric Abidal, Florent Malouda and Franck Ribery,holdovers from the French team that finished second at the 2006 World Cup, and young Bleus’ stars Karim Benzema of Real Madrid and Samir Nasri of Manchester City.

France Roster:
Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux),Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Olympique Marseille)

Defenders: Eric Abidal (FC Barcelona), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille), LaurentKoscielny (Arsenal), Jeremy Mathieu (Valencia), Adil Rami (Valencia), Anthony Reveillere (Olympique Lyon), Mamadou Sakho (PSG)

Midfielders: YohanCabaye (Newcastle), Alou Diarra (Olympique Marseille), Yann M’Vila (Stade Rennes), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Marvin Martin (FC Sochaux), Samir Nasri (Manchester City)

Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kevin Gameiro (PSG), Olivier Giroud (Montpellier), Jeremy Menez (PSG), Loic Remy (Olympique Marseille), Franck Ribery (BayernMunich)