Nations League. Israel – France: Deschamps' daring choice shakes up the Blues

In the absence of Kylian Mbappé for the team's gathering France, Didier Deschamps has named a new captain. A choice that is being debated before facing Israel in the League of Nations.

A decision that continues to fuel debate. Due to the absences of Kylian Mbappé, N'Golo Kanté and Antoine Griezmann who retired from international football during this gathering, Aurélien Tchouameni was promoted to captain of the French team for the two matches against Israel this Thursday and Belgium on Monday. A choice justified by Didier Deschamps in a press conference. “I chose Aurélien because I believe he has the profile to take on this responsibility due to his experience, even though he is still young (24 years old). He took part in the last World Cup and the last Euro”, stressed the coach of Les Bleus. While several members could apply for the captaincy like Jules Koundé or Mike Maignan, "DD" left the door open to a potential questioning of the armband for Mbappéé: "This should not change the player he is, but it is a step further for him. He is not alone of course, because other players can have leadership, Mike (Maignan), Jules(Koundé), Ibou (Konaté)…There are also other forms of leadership. He will be captain tomorrow (Thursday). Monday (against Belgium), we'll see. And for after, 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 best performers. After all, 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 everyday life.”

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A special context

While war rages between Israel and its neighboring countries, the captain of the Hebrew selection Dor Peretz emphasized in a press conference that it is difficult to represent your country and play football at the moment: “I think you cannot realize how difficult the situation is, when our soldiers are defending our country, there are still hostages. It is difficult but we know that it is 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 there 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 French team in Budapest.

For his part, coach Ran Ben Shimon said that the main mission of his players and staff is to stay focused on football: “We are first and foremost 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 stay focused on the sport”.

&Agrave what time does Israel – France start ?

The kick-off of the third day of the Nations League between Israel and France is scheduled for Thursday 10 October at 20:45 &agrave the Bozcik Arena in Budapest (Hungary). Macénikola Dabanovic will be on the whistle.

On which channel to watch Israel – France ?

Holder of the TV rights to the French team's matches, TF1 will broadcast the match between Les Bleus and 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 lineups for Israel – France ?

Israel : Gerafi (G) – 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 : Israelël: 13.00 /Draw : 6.90/France: 1.19
• Bwin : Israelël : 9.00/Null : 5.50/France : 1.15
• Parions&nb sp;Online Sport: Israel: 12.50/Draw: 6.60/France: 1.21
• Unibet:: Israel: 12.50/Draw: 6.65/France: 1.21