Few surprises in France squad

Claude Onesta, France's head coach, has announced his squad for the forthcoming EHF EURO 2014 qualifying games against Lithuania and Turkey.

Although Onesta formerly announced his intention to give new players a chance to wear the blue jersey, he appears to have changed his mind and has only chosen one newcomer, Dunkerque right back Pierry Soudry.

He also decided to call back Luka Karabatic as a replacement for Gregoire Detrez on the line, following the decision from Detrez to retire from international handball.

Having already won four matches in their group, the French will visit Lithuania on 12 June before finally welcoming Turkey to Clermont Ferrand on 15 June in their final qualification match.

ehf-euro.com speaks to Pierry Soudry about his first call-up and further ambitions.

ehf-euro.com: How did you learn of your selection and what was your first reaction?

Pierry Soudry: Actually, it was Vincent Gérard (Dunkerque goalkeeper) who called me to congratulate me, because I hadn't opened my mail box.

At first, I thought he was joking, so there a little bit of confusion. But as the day went on, I realised what was going on and what it is like to be called into the French team.

ehf-euro.com: With Claude Onesta's announcement that he would be opening the squad to new players, did you think that you could have your chance?

Pierry Soudry: No, as I told you, it has been a complete surprise, I didn't expect it. Of course, the selection has always been at the back of my mind, but I didn't think it would come so fast. But on the other hand, I think it's a just reward because I've had a good end to the season and I've worked hard.

ehf-euro.com: What factors do you thing have made for your selection?

Pierry Soudry: I think I've become a more regular player; I've been able to repeat good performances.

I won't lie, I know that Xavier Barachet's shoulder injury has helped me and my team, Dunkerque, has had a very good season, we got more media coverage and it has helped too.

ehf-euro.com: Coming in the squad at this stage, what are your chances to make it in the team for the EHF EURO 2014 in January?

Pierry Soudry: I don't think about it yet. It's a surprise to see my name on this list, so I don't think about the next competition yet. I'm going to go to this week just to meet everyone, and see how everything works. Of course, if everything goes the right way, I'll do my best to come back.

France squad for the EHF EURO 2014 qualifiers against Lithuania and Turkey:

Goalkeepers: Cyril Dumoulin (Chambéry), Thierry Omeyer (Kiel), Vincent Gérard (Dunkerque)

Left wingers: Arnaud Bingo (Tremblay), Mickael Guigou (Montpellier), Samuel Honrubia (PSG)

Left backs: William Accambray (Montpellier), Mathieu Grébille (Montpellier), Jérome Fernandez (Toulouse)

Line players: Luka Karabatic (Aix), Igor Anic (Cesson-Rennes), Cédric Sorhaindo (Barcelona)

Centre backs: Nikola Karabatic (Aix), Kentin Mahé (Gummersbach), Daniel Narcisse (Kiel)

Right backs: Pierry Soudry (Dunkerque), Kevynn Nyokas (Chambéry)

Right wingers: Guillaume Joli (Dunkerque), Valentin Porte (Toulouse), Luc Abalo (PSG)