Wesley Fofana has earned his first senior international call-up after being named in Didier Deschamps’ 23-man France squad for their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Netherlands and Republic of Ireland later this month.

The 22-year-old centre-back has been impressive for Chelsea in recent weeks after returning from a knee injury in February, helping his side to three consecutive victories over Leeds United, Borussia Dortmund and Leicester City.

His recent form has been rewarded as France prepare for both games which are due to be played on March 24 (Netherlands) and 27 (Republic of Ireland).

Fofana joined Chelsea from Leicester last summer, but his first season at Stamford Bridge has been hampered by injury, and he has been limited to 11 appearances in all competitions.

Despite the injury problems, Fofana, who came through the youth ranks at Saint-Ettiene before securing a move to Leicester in the summer of 2020, has played an important role in Chelsea’s recent upturn in results.

He has started in all three games, helping his side earn two clean sheets and scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory over Leeds on March 4.

France squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Netherlands and Republic of Ireland  

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Brice Samba (Lens).

Defenders: Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), William Saliba (Arsenal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool).

Midfielders: Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Khephren Thuram (Nice), Jordan Veretout (Marseille).

Forwards: Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen), Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach).

(Photo: Getty Images)