Rabiot surprised by quick France recall

France midfielder Adrien Rabiot said he did not expect to be recalled so soon by coach Didier Deschamps after turning down a place in the squad for the 2018 World Cup. Rabiot was selected by Deschamps in August, earning his seventh cap in a 1-0 Nations League win in Sweden in early September. He has […]

France midfielder Adrien Rabiot said he did not expect to be recalled so soon by coach Didier Deschamps after turning down a place in the squad for the 2018 World Cup.

Rabiot was selected by Deschamps in August, earning his seventh cap in a 1-0 Nations League win in Sweden in early September.

He has won three caps since and shone in Les Bleus’ 1-0 victory over Portugal in Lisbon on Saturday, which sent the world champions into the last four of the Nations League.

“I was surprised to be called back so soon, but the coach even told me he could have called me back sooner,” Rabiot said.