Gourcuff fluffs final audition for France

The midfielder Yoann Gourcuff has paid the price for an indifferent display in France's 3-2 friendly win against Iceland on Sunday.

Manager Laurent Blanc has left the injury-ravaged Lyons playmaker out of his 23-man squad for Euro 2012 after an underwhelming audition in a match regarded as a last chance for Gourcuff to force his way into the reckoning. After he was substituted, France managed to equalise and then seal the win to avoid embarrassment.

Although untried at international level, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is a surprise omission after winning the Ligue 1 title with Montpellier. The player's agent has revealed that, despite rumours, the defender is unlikely to join Newcastle, with the German champions Borussia Dortmund possible suitors.

Lille's right-back Mathieu Debuchy favours a switch to England, with the St James' Park club tracking him. "I like other leagues, but I really like the English style," Debuchy said. "I am preparing for the Euros, and I let my agents manage all that. Anyway, if I stay at Lille, I would be happy anyway."