France manager Didier Deschamps was critical of ’s William Saliba as he's so far failed to make an impact at international level. Despite his emergence as one of the best centre-backs in the and his unparalleled importance to ’s side. The 23-year-old is yet to show that form on the international stage. Saliba made his senior international debut in a friendly against the Ivory Coast in March 2022 and won his 12th cap against Greece in November last year. Following a consistent run in the national side during the Nations League after impressing on-loan at Marseille, he played just 27 minutes as
France made it all the way to the final in Qatar later that same year. The defender has played just four times for his country since, starting only an international friendly against
Germany in September last year and a dead rubber 2-2 Euro 2024 qualifier draw against Greece with France already confirmed as group winners. Speaking in a on Monday, Deschamps acknowledged Saliba’s form at
Arsenal but was critical of his showings on the international stage, he said: "He is having a good season, but he also does things that I don’t like so much. "For France, he has limited game time, but when he plays, that hasn’t necessarily gone well. The hierarchy doesn’t favour him at the moment, but he is here." "Dayot Upamecano has had game time and perhaps William has had less. With certain players, I make sure to persevere, because it can be confidence or little blockages that can shift. Some don’t have any concerns, some need game time. William has had less game time, so that doesn’t allow him to be very calm." Deschamps opted to start Bayern Munich duo Benjamin Pavard and Upamecano in the heart of defence as France were beaten 2-0 by Germany in a friendly last weekend. Saliba was an unused substitute but he could play a part against Chile on Tuesday.