Striker Olivier Giroud called up to France squad

Posted Thursday, November 03, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

PARIS (AP)—France coach Laurent Blanc called up Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud for the first time Thursday, including him in the squad that will play friendlies against the United States and Belgium this month.

Giroud is currently the top scorer in the French league with eight goals and has been instrumental in Montpellier’s rise to second place.

Last month, France finished top of its qualifying group to secure a place at next year’s European Championship.

France will host the United States on Nov. 11 and Belgium on Nov. 15.

France is unbeaten in its last 15 matches, including friendlies.

The draw for Euro 2012 will be held on Dec. 2 in Kiev, Ukraine.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille).

Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Adil Rami (Valencia), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon), Jeremy Mathieu (Valencia), Mamadou Sakho (Paris Saint-Germain).

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle), Alou Diarra (Marseille), Yann M’Vila (Rennes), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Marvin Martin (Sochaux), Samir Nasri (Manchester City).

Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kevin Gameiro (Paris Saint-Germain), Jeremy Menez (Paris Saint-Germain), Loic Remy (Marseille), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Olivier Giroud (Montpellier).