France defender Bacary Sagna expects a backlash from a humiliated Spain when they meet in a friendly on Thursday.

While France won over its fans following some strong performances at the World Cup, Spain's dejected supporters are reeling from of a calamitous early exit that prompted the international retirements of Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, and David Villa.

Even though Spain are likely to test new players at Stade de France, quickly restoring a sense of pride is sure to be a priority for the...

Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu has been called up to the France squad for the upcoming friendlies against Spain and Serbia, replacing the injured Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny.

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Mathieu, 30, joined Barca from Valencia for 20 million euros this summer, and has started both of his new club's La Liga games to date.

The news was confirmed in an official statement released by the Catalan side soon after Sunday's 1-0 win against Villarreal.

"Jerem...

France coach Didier Deschamps has resisted the temptation to force Franck Ribery's hand and has left the Bayern Munich star out of his squad for Les Bleus' upcoming friendlies.

After missing out on the World Cup with a back injury, Ribery, 31, announced via German media earlier this month he would no longer represent his country.

There had been a suggestion, including from Deschamps himself, that he may decide to call up the former Marseille man for the matches with Spain in Paris on Sept. 4 and...

Mathieu Valbuena got the green light from France coach Didier Deschamps before deciding to join Dinamo Moscow this summer, the midfielder told RMC.

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Valbuena, 30, has been one of Deschamps' most impressive performers in the former France captain's two-year tenure at the head of Les Bleus, and was influential in his nation's run to the World Cup quarterfinals in Brazil.

However, with Marseille looking to reduce their wage bill, Valbuena signed a thre...