Premier League star earns first call-up to French national team

Ziyad Jamal

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Premier League star earns first call-up to French national team image

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One of the Premier League's most consistent performers recently has been rewarded with a call-up to his country.

On Thursday (October 2), Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was officially named in France's squad for the team's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland.

At 28, this is set to be the Paris-born star's first experience of international football at senior level, after previously featuring for his nation's Under-19 and Under-21 sides.

He also represented the France team at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, scoring five goals along the way to the team securing a silver medal.

Mateta rewarded for consistency in a Palace shirt

Jean-Philippe Mateta

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France manager Didier Deschamps has now recognised Mateta's impressive performances for Palace of late.

Last season, the striker netted 17 goals for the Premier League side and helped deliver his team's first major trophy, playing a part in the build-up to Eberechi Eze's FA Cup final winning goal against Manchester City.

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The Frenchman has found the net four times so far this season, and has been a vital contributor in Oliver Glasner's side remaining on a remarkable 18-match unbeaten run in all competitions that stretches back to April.

In addition to his good form, Mateta's case for a call-up was also helped by French forwards Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Marcus Thuram currently nursing injuries.

Mateta will be hoping Deschamps hands him sufficient minutes in either the home game with Azerbaijan on October 10 or during the trip to Iceland three days after.

Should the Palace striker manage to impress the French manager in the coming international window, it will certainly strengthen his chances of featuring at next summer's World Cup.

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Ziyad Jamal

Ziyad Jamal contributes to Sporting News - UK Wires as a freelance writer focusing on all sports. He has written for sites including GiveMeSport, Planet Sport and IBTimes UK. He graduated with a degree in BA (Hons) Football Business and Media at UCFB Wembley in 2021.