Zidane, who played a charity match here, said the trio were "players with future and talent."

When asked by reporters who were the rising stars of the French national team, he replied: "They are not yet in the French team."

"There has always been talent in this team and there will always be," he said.

"But it is true that today when we look at players like Nasri, Gourcuff and Benzema, we don't know... if these players will be included in the French team, but in any case they are players with future and talent."

He also singled out Marseille's Franck Ribery as someone who was "bringing good things to the French team."

AC Milan's Gourcoff, 20, is already known as "Little Zidane" for his similar playing style to the three-time World Player of the Year.

Nasri and Benzema, aged 19 and 20, have caught the eye at Marseille and Lyon respectively.