On September 9, when Kylian Mbappé, for his last appearance to date in the French team, started the Nations League match against Belgium on the bench (2-0), N’N’Golo Kanté wore the armband . A month later, during the October rally, the small Al-Ittihad midfielder was unavailable and Aurélien Tchouaméni was then designated captain in the absence of Mbappé.
The double defection of the two Madrilenians, one by choice made by Didier Deschamps, the other due to a sprained left ankle, will therefore reshuffle the cards. Within the group of 23 called to face Israel then Italy, on November 14 and 17, there are at least 4 or 5 who can claim this piece of fabric. For now, nothing has been decided yet. True to form, Deschamps and his staff will first discuss it with the various players concerned at the start of the gathering planned in Clairefontaine on Monday October 11.
The middle of Al Ittihad leading by example
However, if Jules Koundé, brilliant with Barcelona and now fully fulfilled in a right-back position in the selection, Ibrahima Konaté, a sunny personality who has once again become essential in Liverpool this season, even Adrien Rabiot or Mike Maignan, all have certain qualities for captaincy, Kanté seems to embody a form of continuity. Asked about this on Thursday, Didier Deschamps evaded. “You will find out on Thursday (November 14) for the match. Or maybe Wednesday if I decide to send the captain to a press conference, but it’s not an obligation. »
At 33 years old and with 63 caps, Kanté, the surprise guest of the last Euro, where he was generally convincing, is a man of few words. A leader by example, through his experience, his good nature and his tireless activity in the field he inspires everyone’s support. Consequently, his appointment would be part of a form of group logic dear to the coach. « It will also allow (Editor’s note; the absence of Mbappé), through this gathering, to make other players a little more responsible and to maintain a dynamic that is underway., explained the Basque technician on Thursday.
For the record, France is currently second in its group, one point behind Italy, only needs a draw against Israel to validate its qualification for the quarter-finals on March 20 and 23, 2025. A defeat, if Belgium does not not impose at the same time against Italy, would also validate his ticket.
