Les Bleus to end season...with some Turkey.

Tomorrow France will face Turkey in the last international game before the summer break. As I have made clear in the past, I think that international friendlies are vital for national teams as well as the game in general. However, I might argue that these internationals are a monumental waste. It is the end of a long domestic season. Teams that are not in qualifying or playing a tournament (confed cup), are really not motivated. Are you going to tell me that players like Henry and Ribery are not already thinking about sitting on the beach, resting after what was a long and demanding season?

Here is the starting line up -

Lloris - Sagna, Boumsong, Mexès, Abidal - Toulalan, L. Diarra - Benzema, Gourcuff, Malouda - Anelka.

I think Domenech should have looked at some alternate and younger talent - Feghouli, Rami, Hourau, Savidan (ok not younger but worth another look), Mavuba, Matuidi or Menez to name a few. He does need to figure out the central defense pairing, trying the Sevilla teammates against Nigeria, and by their own admission it was not smooth sailing. For Turkey he will try an old Auxerre pairing of Boumsomg and Mexes....the only reason this might work is that they played together at Auxerre otherwise the donkey Boumsong really should never see the pitch ever again...sigh.

Up front, not sure why roll out Anelka, he has nothing to prove. Why not try Gignac and rather than Benzema maybe roll out Remy on the wing, see how he works with offense.

These games really do not show much, players are tired and most likely mentally checked out. So try out players that have not had a real taste of Les Bleus, that experience should naturally raise their motivation and allow Domenech to see what they can bring to the team. Alas, once again Domenech in his own way will waste another opportunity.