It’s been almost four years since the Blues lost the world title, but their aura remains intact around the world. If Argentina, the executioners of Didier Deschamps’ squad in 2022, and Spain, the European champions in 2024, may be the favorites to win next summer’s World Cup, the French team will once again be one of the serious contenders.
A status earned from relentless consistency during previous major competitions, but also related to the impressive pool of players available to the French coach. Asked by L’Équipe in an interview published this Monday evening, Aurélien Tchouaméni confirmed this by giving the views of his colleagues at Real Madrid.
“Impressive swimming pool”
“ We talked about it again recently and people told me: Your team is being abused! “, said the 25-year-old midfielder. “Looking at it from the outside – and I’m talking to you about people who play in Spain, England, Germany – everyone says: Your choice, on paper, the pool is very impressive “, he reported.
Asked at length about his status and experience with the Blues, vice-captain Didier Deschamps returned to the most painful episode of his international career: a missed shot on goal in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina. A moment that was hard to forget but no longer bothered him. “I would rather look in the mirror the next day and say to myself: You missed but you’re goneinstead of telling myself that I’m scared. And if July 2026 ends with a trial like that, we have to leave,” he said.
“This, this is part of my story. My penalty was taken badly, it’s true,” Tchouaméni admitted. “And tomorrow, if I have another chance, I will do everything to be better. But against Croatia, in the Nations League (March 23, 2025, 1/4 final return)I shot at the same place. I had to, mentally, imagine myself taking a penalty from that side and scoring. So, this is an exercise that needs to be done,” said the man with 43 caps for the French team.
