Special envoy to Villeneuve d’Ascq
The Euro is only eight months away (June 14-July 14), Didier Deschamps’ list of 23 scheduled for mid-May, however certain elements of the France group could, if not losing it, win their ticket for the summer meeting from Tuesday evening. The road is still long, the state of form uncertain with a season to come, but when the opportunity arises, internationals in balance have every interest in showing themselves in their best light. In the mind of the coach, concerned with the famous “balance” of the team so sought after, the smallest detail observed on and off the field will count when deciding. Squad review with the elements that would do well to shine against Scotland (9 p.m., TF1).
Attractive, solid and decisive against the Netherlands, including a decisive pass on Mbappé’s opener, the Marseillais has the opportunity to confirm Tuesday evening against the Scots. It would be a first for him to have two consecutive starts and above all an ideal moment to score points for the Euro. In the event of a performance similar or even better than that seen on the pitch at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Jonathan Clauss (31 years old, 7 caps) would prove to the coach his ability to occupy the right flank in a four-man defense at international level. He would pose as a credible alternative to Jules Koundé and Benjamin Pavard, who do not appreciate this position but provide more certainty on the defensive level.
At home in front of all his family and friends, the defender trained at LOSC will perhaps begin a new career in the selection on Tuesday evening. Eager to refocus, which he has not hidden for months and which has sometimes caused the irritation of his coach, Benjamin Pavard could see his dream come true at the Pierre Mauroy stadium. He should form the central pair with Ibrahima Konaté. Called up centrally by Deschamps before Koundé’s injury, he could have assisted Clauss in the corridor, but the boss of the Blues wants to see him in this new position, which he now occupies at Inter Milan on a constant basis. At the age of 27 and 51 caps, Pavard is aware of taking a risk, given the huge competition in this sector of play among the Blues (Upamecano, Konaté, Hernandez, Todibo, Fofana, Kimpembe, Badiashile, Disasi, etc.) when a place on the right stretched out its arms to him. Behind the scenes, those close to him radiate serenity and confidence about his abilities to change the situation in the hierarchy of vice-world champions. Start of response Tuesday evening?
In the midst of controversy over his “nervous laugh” glimpsed during the minute of silence before Netherlands – France, the Nice defender is having a turbulent start with the Blues. For his first selection in Germany last month (2-1 defeat), Jean-Clair Todibo, 23, missed his match, carried away by the pressure of a first cap with a jersey too heavy to wear. Tuesday, if he enters central defense, he will have the opportunity to erase this bad memory and prove his qualities. He has every interest in putting out a great match in the most extensive and competitive sector in the French team. His technical qualities are appreciated by the staff, who are now awaiting a return to the field.
“I’m missing almost nothing, it’s just that, in front of me, I have three Martians who haven’t stopped performing since the World Cup. They found each other well, it’s hard to dislodge one. » Youssouf Fofana (24 years old, 12 caps) is not the type to take himself for another and the staff also appreciates his human qualities. Aware of being behind Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Griezmann and Camavinga, in the midfield hierarchy, the Monegasque must show much more to exist. If the opportunity presents itself, he knows what to expect against the Scots. Behind him, there is no shortage of candidates like Kamara and Veretout. But above all, Kanté’s shadow remains tenacious and the start of the season at Zaire-Emery’s PSG may make him fear the worst.