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Deschamps explains reasoning behind Mbappe France release

France boss Didier Deschamps has doubled down on his decision to allow Kylian Mbappe to leave the squad early, saying there was no need to take any “risks” with the forward’s fitness after he fired his country to the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid star pulled out of his side’s final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Sunday after sustaining an ankle injury in Thursday’s win over Ukraine.

France v Ukraine - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Mbappe told he is causing issues with France 'special treatment'

Former France international Jerome Rothen has claimed Kylian Mbappe receives “special treatment” which will “cause problems” with his team-mates should they hit a poor run of form. The Real Madrid forward withdrew from Les Blues’ squad ahead of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan after picking up an ankle injury in Thursday’s 4-0 win over Ukraine.

France ratings 2025

Mbappe stars in routine France win but late injury causes concern

Kylian Mbappe’s stunning solo goal helped France ease to a comfortable 3-0 victory and take another giant step towards qualifying for next years’ World Cup with victory over Azerbaijan in Paris. Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin were also on target, but there were worrying scenes towards the end as talisman Mbappe signalled to come off with what looked like an ankle injury.

Frequently asked questions

The members of the St. Mary's Church of England Young Men's Association founded a club in 1885, which was referred to by the press as St Mary's Y.M.A. They later became simply St. Mary's F.C. in 1887-88, before changing their name to Southampton St. Mary's upon joining the Southern League in 1894. However, the club became a limited company after their Southern League title win at the end of 1896-97, following which they were known as Southampton F.C.

Southampton are owned by Sport Republic, a London-based investment firm, who own an 80% stake in the club. Dragan Solak is the firm's lead investor.

Southampton play their home games at the St. Mary's Stadium, which is South East London's largest stadium. The club started playing their games at this stadium in 2001.

St. Mary's Stadium has a capacity of 32,384, making it South East London's largest football stadium.

Southampton have won just one trophy throughout their history, an FA Cup in 1976, in which they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the final.

Southampton are yet to be crowned the champions of the Premier League. They have never won an English top flight title.

Terry Paine, with 713 appearances, is the club's record appearance make of all-time.

Mick Channon is the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 227 goals in 607 appearances, spread across two different stints.

Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, James Ward-Prowse, Dusan Tadic, and Bobby Stokes are among the most famous players to have donned a Southampton shirt.

Mauricio Pochettino, Ralph Hassenhuttl, Ted Bates, and Ronald Koeman are among Southampton's most famous managers.

Southampton are also known as The Saints among their own fans and rivals.