Crystal Palace pair achieve World Cup dream as France squad revealed

Lacroix has been a mainstay under Oliver Glasner and was promoted to vice-captain following the departure of Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January.

The 26-year-old made his debut for France during the March international break, coming off the bench as Didier Deschamps’ side beat Brazil 2-1 in Massachusetts, USA despite being reduced to 10-men.

Lacroix then played the full 90 as France beat Colombia 3-1 in a friendly in Maryland.

Jean-Philippe Mateta overcame a knee injury to make the World Cup squad

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Mateta’s World Cup hopes appeared to be in doubt at the turn of the year after the 28-year-old’s protracted move to AC Milan fell through after a failed medical.

As Standard Sport reported in December, Mateta had been playing through a knee injury, which was subsequently identified by Milan during his medical.

Despite missing two months of action, including the March international break, Mateta did not undergo surgery and has returned to form and fitness with Palace in recent weeks.

Mateta’s inclusion means Tottenham forward Randal Kolo Muani misses out, though he may struggle for minutes as he plays second fiddle to Kylian Mbappe. There are also no places for Eduardo Camavinga or Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.