Deschamps: Mateta must prove himself for starting spot with France
Jean-Philippe Mateta earned his first call-up for France this month, and Didier Deschamps wants him to take the chance with both hands.
Didier Deschamps has urged Jean-Philippe Mateta to prove himself for a spot in France's starting line-up during their two World Cup qualifying fixtures this month.
Mateta received his first international call-up for France for their upcoming clashes with Azerbaijan and Iceland following his fine start to the season at Crystal Palace.
The 28-year-old has scored four goals in 12 appearances across all competitions for Oliver Glasner's side, who sit sixth in the early Premier League standings.
Indeed, since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, only Ollie Watkins, Chris Wood (both 36), Cole Palmer (38), Alexander Isak (44), Mohamed Salah (49) and Erling Haaland (58) have netted more times in the top-flight than Mateta (32, level with Jarrod Bowen).
Mateta has previously represented France's youth teams and featured at last year's Olympic Games in Paris, picking up a silver medal after Les Bleus were beaten in the final by Spain 5-3 after extra-time.
France are currently top of Group D in World Cup qualifying and welcome Azerbaijan to Parc des Princes on Friday before travelling to Iceland three days later.
And Mateta will be hoping to make his case for a spot in France's squad for the World Cup next year, which takes place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
"He has to do what he knows how to do, which is to play as naturally as possible," Deschamps told reporters on Monday.
"He has a good habit of scoring goals, whether for his club or with the younger teams and the Olympic team during the Olympic Games.
"So this is a big moment for him. Let him come with his enthusiasm and his qualities. He knows most of the players because he's had seen in the younger teams too.
"It's not about winning me over [personally]. That's not how it works. [He has to prove himself] in the team, in training and during matches."
Deschamps added that Kylian Mbappe was being treated for an injury he had picked up while playing for Real Madrid in a 3-1 LaLiga victory over Villarreal on Saturday.
Mbappe has been in sensational form for Madrid this season, plundering 15 goals in 13 appearances for Xabi Alonso's team across all competitions in 2025-26.
Indeed, his goal tally is only bettered by Bayern Munich's Harry Kane (21), though Mbappe did edge closer to making history for his nation during the last international break.
Mbappe netted his 52nd goal for France against Iceland last month, surpassing Thierry Henry to go second in the all-time scoring charts, only trailing Olivier Giroud (57).
"He had a minor issue, but it's not a deal-breaker, otherwise he wouldn't be here today," Deschamps added.
"We'll take the time with the medical staff to assess the situation. And then we'll see how it develops."
