Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne received a late call up from France for September’s international break, after Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy suffered an injury.
The 31-year-old last made an appearance for Les Bleus in June 2022. The left-back was on the bench against Italy last week and could make an appearance against Belgium later today.
L’Equipe now report the Aston Villa player couldn’t hide his joy when he received a call from the national team last Monday.
Didier Deschamps didn’t consider the fullback for the 2022 World Cup or Euro 2024. In the summer, the player even considered his time with France ‘had ended’.
He was enthusiastic, and that was visible to Deschamps and his staff during training sessions.
The defender faces a crucial season with Aston Villa, who have returned to Europe’s biggest stage for the first time in over four decades.
Digne is well aware it won’t be easy to retain a place in the national squad. L’Equipe say he has to ‘know how to seize his chance every time he plays’, starting against Belgium.
His game has further improved under Unai Emery’s orders. Digne’s deal lasts until 2026 and L’Equipe claim the Frenchman ‘could even be tempted’ to sign a new deal at Aston Villa.
If Digne were to seize his opportunities with France, he could cement his place with the national team. This could convince him to sign an extension at Aston Villa, given it’s the club who helped get him back there.
