Domenech turns to uncapped tyros

Plays in Argentina
The 18-year-old Higuaín, who is being tipped as a star of the future due to his performances for CA River Plate in Argentina, was born in France of Argentinian parents. Although he does not speak French, Higuaín is a French national and is drawing comparisons with another Les Bleus striker with an Argentinian father, David Trezeguet, who is not on Domenech's 24-man list. However, Higuaín has said he will wait until Monday before deciding whether to accept France's call.

European goals
"An 18-year-old who is a starter at River Plate must have some talent," Domenech said. "Moreover, he is keen to play for France. He is not an out-and-out striker like Trezeguet - I see him more as a nine-and-a-half." The 18-year-old Benzema, meanwhile, has scored two UEFA Champions League goals for Olympique Lyonnais this season, including last week's winner against FC Dynamo Kyiv.

France squad
Goalkeepers: Grégory Coupet (Olympique Lyonnais), Mickaël Landreau (Paris Saint-Germain FC).

Defenders: Eric Abidal (Olympique Lyonnais), François Clerc (Olympique Lyonnais), Julien Escudé (Sevilla FC), Patrice Evra (Manchester United FC), William Gallas (Arsenal FC), Philippe Mexès (AS Roma), Willy Sagnol (FC Bayern München), Lilian Thuram (FC Barcelona).

Midfielders: Alou Diarra (Olympique Lyonnais), Sidney Govou (Olympique Lyonnais), Gonzalo Higuaín (CA River Plate), Claude Makelele (Chelsea FC), Florent Malouda (Olympique Lyonnais), Rio Antonio Mavuba (FC Girondins de Bordeaux), Franck Ribéry (Olympique de Marseille), Jérémy Toulalan (Olympique Lyonnais), Patrick Vieira (FC Internazionale Milano), Sylvain Wiltord (Olympique Lyonnais).

Forwards: Nicolas Anelka (Bolton Wanderers FC), Karim Benzema (Olympique Lyonnais), Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC), Louis Saha (Manchester United FC).