FRANCE
A National Team
Firstly, today marks a quiet yet deeply significant moment in Parisian history. Ten years have passed since those tragic scenes echoed across the globe, and I remember vividly where I was, in London, as the news broke.
For me, London and Paris have always been intrinsically linked, and my heart and thoughts remain with all those who lost their lives and loved ones during that dark and traumatic night.
As the saying spoke loudest then - Même pas peur. Not even scared.
The national team this year should be spoken about more, especially since Ligue 1 is quite literally on fire and awash with exciting talent.
Yes, the Olises, Gustos and Cherkis are plying their trade on the continent, however, should Didier be keeping his selection process a little closer to home? With qualification as good as secured with a win tonight against Ukraine, a trip to Azerbaijan would offer a perfect opportunity to see some younger or non-capped players gain time and exposure within the national team set-up.
The likes of Ludovic Blas, Adrien Thomasson and Florian Thauvin have all been consistent and genuinely worthy of a chance for selection, the latter making a return during the last international break and getting on the scoresheet. But maybe that’s all too good to think of, and as we all know, Deschamps has an important job to finish with qualification still open.
Maybe the trustworthy selection of Mbappé leading the line is far too favoured to let up, and who’d truly argue.
My point being is that Ligue 1 is a league that should be genuinely looked at this season. The competition is fierce, and PSG are genuinely grasping at every point they can tally onto the board. It makes for a healthy league, it makes for a healthy national team. Let’s hope that in the near future, players of the ilk mentioned above are given far more time on the green pastures of the Stade de France, especially with qualification for the World Cup almost over the line.
Also, the recent loss of Ilan Kebbal to the Algerian Football Association should act as a reminder, if the pathway doesn’t become clearer and more accessible for the younger talent coming through, then options and eligible countries begin to take shape.
Imagine a young Zinedine Zidane taking the hand of his motherland all those years ago.
When pathways aren’t open, national teams risk losing their future icons.
Les Bleus will be flying the colours tonight, marking a dark period in the history of this vast and proud country. For all the people and families who suffered such loss and devastation, one message holds true for Parisians and French citizens alike… même pas peur.
@alexleboxe