Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix has earned his first senior France call-up following an injury to William Saliba. The 25-year-old played for France U16, U17, U18 and U20 but for the first time since 2019, he receives an international call-up.
Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix has earned his first senior France call-up.
The 25-year-old has been called up to the squad following an injury to Arsenal’s William Saliba, who will stay with his club for rehabilitation.
France have two friendlies, against Brazil and Colombia in the USA on 26 March and 29 March, as they head into their final camp before announcing their World Cup squad in May.
Lacroix has represented France at U16, U17, U18 and U20 level but this is his first foray into the senior squad.
A Tweet by the France National Team account, confirming Lacroix’s selection read: “A first senior France squad selection for Maxence Lacroix.
“The Crystal Palace defender, aged 25 years old and having already played for France’s youth teams, will arrive at Clairefontaine on Monday.
“He replaces William Saliba, who has a knock to his left ankle, and who we wish a good recovery.”
It is Lacroix’s first selection for any France team for over seven years, last being called up to the U20 squad in October 2019.
France will meet at their Clairefontaine training base on Monday before they fly to the USA on Tuesday.
Les Bleus are trying to get an early feel for playing in the USA, where the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place, as well as in Mexico and Canada.
France’s first clash against the Selecao will be at the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Thursday, 26 March.
Lacroix could then face some of his club teammates as les Bleus face Colombia at the Northwest Stadium on Sunday, 29 March.
Both Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma are expected to be in the Colombia side that face France, in a match that will surely have the attention of Oliver Glasner, as well as Palace fans far and wide.
Lacroix has been a revelation since he joined the Eagles from Wolfsburg in August 2024.
Since reuniting with Glasner at Selhurst Park, Lacroix has made himself a mainstay in the Palace back three that has been so successful.
He has played 86 matches in all competitions, scoring four goals and winning the FA Cup and Community Shield.
The Frenchman has alsoplayed a starring role in leading The Eagles to the quarter-finals of the Conference League, where he has scored two of his four goals, including against Zrinjski in the second leg of the play-offs at Selhurst Park.