Domenech puts money on Barthez in France squad

May 14, 2006, 12:47 GMT

Paris - France coach Raymond Domenech announced his squad of 23 players on Sunday for the World Cup in Germany which kicks off on June 9.

Domenech also revealed Fabien Barthez would be the number one goalkeeper despite stiff competition from Lyon's Gregory Coupet.

'The first criterion is the talent of the player but also experience in big competitions,' said Domenech. 'Current form is not the only issue because there are still three weeks before the tournament begins,' he added.

Barthez was instrumental when France won the 1998 World Cup and was also brilliant in their Euro 2000 triumph in Rotterdam when they beat Italy 2-1.

A surprise inclusion in defence was Wigan's wing-back Pascal Chimbonda but there was no place for Robert Pires of Arsenal or Nicolas Anelka of Fenerbache.

Ludovic Giuly who is set to appear in Wednesday's Champions League final for Barcelona was also omitted but Franck Ribery who has been a sensation for Marseille this season earned his first call-up.

'There could still be changes to the squad if there are injuries but we have to support this squad and not criticise the players chosen. My objective is to take the France team as far as possible in the World Cup,' said Domenech.

The midfield produced few surprises with Zinedine Zidane set to captain a team that will also feature Patrick Vieira and Claude Makelele.

Up front, Arsenal's Thierry Henry leads the attack with David Trezeguet likely to join the starting eleven. Louis Saha who was superb towards the end of the Premiership season with Manchester United will play at his first major international competition and Djibril Cisse who scored in Liverpool's FA Cup win on Saturday is also in.

France squad: Goalkeepers: Fabien Barthez (Marseille), Gregory Coupet (Lyon), Mickael Landreau (Nantes) Defenders: William Gallas (Eng/Chelsea), Liliam Thuram (Ita/Juventus), Willy Sagnol (Ger/Bayern Munich), Gael Givet (Monaco), Mickael Silvestre (Eng/Manchester United), Pascal Chimbonda (Eng/Wigan), Jean-Alain Boumsong (Eng/Newcastle), Eric Abidal (Lyon) Midfielders: Zinedine Zidane (Spa/Real Madrid), Patrick Vieira (Ita/Juventus), Claude Makelele (Eng/Chelsea), Florent Malouda (Lyon), Vikash Dhorasoo (Paris Saint Germain), Alou Diarra (Lens), Strikers: Thierry Henry (Eng/Arsenal), David Trezeguet (Ita/Juventus), Sylvain Wiltord (Lyon), Louis Saha (Eng/Manchester United), Djibril Cisse (Eng/Liverpool), Franck Ribery (Marseille)