Deschamps' Squad for the USA Tour: The Chevalier Dilemma, the Mbappé Question, and Surprises in Store

Hold onto your jerseys, mates! In just a few hours, Didier Deschamps will be dropping his famous squad list for Les Bleus' tour of the USA. And trust me, this time the national coach is cooking up a selection that's bound to get people talking and ruffle a few feathers. With young guns knocking on the door, senior players needing a breather, and that ongoing dilemma in goal, here's the inside word on what to expect from the announcement.

Lucas Chevalier: The Bold Call That Unites Opinion (Well, Nearly)

You can't talk about this Deschamps squad without mentioning the name on everyone's lips in football circles: Lucas Chevalier. The Lille shot-stopper is having an absolute blinder of a season, and whispers are getting louder about him being included for the trip to the States. Word is his name is firmly pencilled into an extended squad, giving the coaching staff a proper look at what he's made of in training alongside the senior lads. Leaving him out would be a massive own goal, especially since his lack of game time at PSG no longer seems to be a deal-breaker for 'DD'. Fans, from Lille to Marseille, and even Hoi Kong, that expat supporter who stays up all night to follow the Blues, are hanging on tenterhooks.

Mbappé and the Senior Players: Rest or Fireworks?

Another headache for the coaching staff: what to do with Kylian Mbappé? The captain, who's been carrying the team for months, has clocked up a massive number of matches. Those close to the player are suggesting he needs a proper break, especially as this USA tour falls at a crucial point in the season. Including him in the Deschamps squad only to bench him or have him travel without playing – is that a luxury Les Bleus can afford? That's debatable. But one thing's for sure: if Kylian is on that plane, even if it's just to touch down in New York, he'll be the headline act of this tour.

An Expanded Squad to Test the Waters?

Another hot topic doing the rounds is the very format of the squad. With a packed calendar and high-profile friendly matches, the idea of an expanded Deschamps squad is gaining traction. It would let several young players soak up the Les Bleus atmosphere, cut their teeth at this level, and create some healthy competition. Just imagine: young guns like Chevalier, and maybe other talents from Ligue 1, getting the chance to mix it with the stars during the tour. There's even talk of a few senior players being rested to prepare for what's ahead, leaving the door open for faces less accustomed to the spotlight.

Here are the key points of suspense before the official announcement:

• The Goalkeeper: Will Chevalier get the nod over a more experienced third-choice keeper?
• The Captain: Will Mbappé make the trip or take a breather?
• The Young Guns: Which up-and-comers will book their tickets to the USA?
• The Squad Size: Will it be a trimmed-down or expanded squad for this summer tour?

Les Bleus, USA Edition: A Lineup Built to Impress

Beyond the names on the list, it's the team spirit of this French side that Deschamps is looking to test. A tour of the States is the perfect chance to build team bonds, to create cohesion in a less high-pressure environment than official competitions. But make no mistake: every player selected will be playing for their future. This Deschamps squad list is the first real filter for upcoming fixtures, and no one wants to miss the cut.

So, catch you in a few hours for the verdict. In the meantime, the speculation is running hot, and even Hoi Kong, watching on from his base in Hong Kong, tells us he's already got his alarm set so he doesn't miss a thing. That's football for you: a passion that spans time zones and continents. Allez les Bleus!