Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba.

Martial in and Pogba out for France

Thursday 27 August 2020 13:15

Manchester United centre-forward Anthony Martial has been called up to the France squad for their upcoming Nations League double-header, but Paul Pogba will miss out.

The world champions face Sweden (5 September) and Croatia (8 September) in the first two games of Group C, a four-team league that also includes Bruno Fernandes’s Portugal.

Martial could be selected in both games as the United no.9 has received his first inclusion in the national squad since March 2018.
Watch all of Martial's goals from 2019/20 Video

Watch all of Martial's goals from 2019/20

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The 24-year-old has often been overlooked in the face of some fierce competition for places in the past, but Anthony’s form last season means coach Didier Deschamps simply could not leave him out on this occasion.

In the nine Premier League games since the top flight returned, Martial bagged six goals and registered four assists, and was subsequently nominated for the Premier League Player-of-the-Month awards in June and July.

The attacker also showed his trickery and skill in the cup competitions and earned penalties in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea and the Europa League quarter-final victory over FC Copenhagen, as well as scoring in the previous round against LASK.

However, Pogba has been replaced in the squad after testing positive for COVID-19. The midfielder will be unable to add to his 69 caps and 10 goals for his country in the games next month.

Everybody at United wishes Paul a speedy recovery ahead of the new season.

Paul Pogba is unable to team up with Anthony Martial in the France squad.

The multi-talented group includes the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and N'Golo Kante.

Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who replaced Pogba, and RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano have also received call-ups.

Get ready for next season. Our 2020/21 home and away kits are available now from United Direct.

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