In the absence of Kylian Mbappé for the France team gathering, Didier Deschamps named a new captain. A choice which is debated before facing Israel in the League of Nations.
A decision which continues to fuel debate. Due to the absence of Kylian MbappéN’Golo Kanté and Antoine Griezmann who retired internationally during this gathering, Aurélien Tchouameni was promoted to captain of the France team for the two matches against Israel this Thursday and Belgium on Monday. A choice justified by Didier Deschamps at a press conference. “I chose Aurélien, because I consider that he has the profile to take on this responsibility due to his experience, even if he is still young (24 years old). He participated in the last World Cup and the last Euro “underlined the coach of the Blues. If several members could apply for the captaincy like Jules Koundé or Mike Maignan, “DD” left the door open to a potential challenge to the armband for Mbappé: “This shouldn’t change the player he is, but it’s another step for him. He is obviously not alone, because other players can have leadership, Mike (Maignan), Jules(Kounde), Ibou (Konate)…There are also other forms of leadership. He will be captain tomorrow (THURSDAY). Monday (against Belgium), we’ll see. And afterward, we’ll see too.”
Aurélien Tchouameni also spoke to the press, proud to wear the captain’s armband: “It is with great pride that I take on this responsibility, we had a discussion with the coach, I am happy, content”. Beyond this responsibility, the Real Madrid midfielder highlighted the quality of the group and the different profiles of leaders present: “Do you have to be unanimous to be captain? I think the most important thing is that we all have the same idea of winning matches, of being the most efficient.. Obviously, in a team, there are various affinities. But the most important thing is that everyone respects each other. There are leaders at different levels: technical, by voice and by example. When you fill in at least one of these boxes… There are people who are loved by everyone in a locker room and others who are less loved… It’s like in a company and everyone’s life days.”
A particular context
While the war rages between Israel and its neighboring countries, the captain of the Hebrew selection Dor Peretz stressed at a press conference that it is difficult to represent his country and play football currently: “I think you cannot realize how difficult the situation is, when our soldiers are defending our country, that there are hostages left. It’s difficult but we know it’s a privilege to play football, which is our domain, while our country is at war, and to give hope and happiness to our country. We are proud to be here and to represent Israel.” Since October 7, 2023, UEFA has banned the organization of matches in Israel. This Thursday evening, the Hebrew state will host the France team in Budapest.
For his part, coach Ran Ben Shimon declared that the main mission of his players and staff is to stay focused on football: “We are above all citizens of this country, everything that happens to it affects us in our flesh. But we must find a balance, separate the personnel when we enter the field. Our role is to remain focused on the sport” .
What time does Israel – France start?
The third day of the Nations League match between Israel and France is scheduled to kick off Thursday 10 October at 8:45 p.m. at the Bozcik Arena in Budapest (Hungary). Macedonian Nikola Dabanovic will be on the whistle.
On which channel to watch Israel – France?
Holder of TV rights for French team matches, TF1 will broadcast the poster of the Blues against Israel from the kick-off, in clear.
How to follow Israel – France in streaming?
If you want to watch the Nations League match between the Israelis and the Blues on your computer, smartphone or tablet, you will need to create an account on TF1+.
What are the probable compositions of Israel – France?
Israel: Gerafi (L) – Jehezkel, Nachmias, Shlomo, Revivo – Jaber, Kanichowsky – Abada, Peretz, David – Khalaili.
France: Maignan (G) – Koundé, Konaté, Saliba, T.Hernandez – Tchouaméni, Camavinga – Dembélé, Olise, Nkunku – Kolo Muani.
What are the predictions for Israel – France?
- Betclic: Israel: 13.00 / Draw: 6.90 / France: 1.19
- Bwin: Israel: 9.00 / Draw: 5.50 / France: 1.15
- Bet Sports Online: Israel: 12.50 / Draw: 6.60 / France: 1.21
- Unibet: Israel: 12.50 / Draw: 6.65 / France: 1.21