AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes has claimed that Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is now the "number one French central defender".
There have been calls for Mexes to return to the France squad following his performances for Milan this season, but he has insisted that Varane and Valencia's Adil Rami should start ahead of him.
"If they call me up, I would say yes. But we must leave room for the kids," He told L'Equipe.
"We must leave room for the young. Against Spain, you have got to play Raphael Varane and Adil Rami. At this time, Varane is the number one French central defender."
Mexes has made 29 appearances for his country.
