France will name Russia 2018 squad after Europa League final

With up to eight France stars set to play the Europa League final between Marseille and Atletico Madrid in Lyon on May 16, Didier Deschamps has delayed the naming of his World Cup squad until after the match.

The French Football Federation said on Friday it would be better for all those involved in the finals to wait.

Deschamps, who coached Marseille to their last French title in 2010, had been scheduled to name his squad for Russia 2018 on May 15, a day ahead of the Europa League final in Lyon on May 16.

Regular France squad members 'keeper Steve Mandanda, defender Adil Rami and attacking midfielders Dimitri Payet and Florian Thauvin play for Marseille, whilst strikers Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro and defender Lucas Hernandez play for Atletico Madrid.

Marseille set up a final meeting with Atletico after defender Rolando struck in extra time to grab a 3-2 aggregate victory over a spirited Salzburg on Thursday.

Diego Costa sent Atletico through as the Spanish club won Thursday's second leg 1-0 at home to clinch a 2-1 aggregate victory over Arsenal.

France will play warm up games against Ireland, Italy and the USA, May 28 at the Stade de France, June 1 at Nice and June 9 at Lyon respectively.

They then tackle Australia, Peru and Denmark in the World Cup group phase.