While they took the train in June to go to Metz, the French team used the plane to reach Brussels, a city served by train.
The Blues face Belgium this Monday evening in Brussels as part of the Nations League (kick-off at 8:45 p.m.). The French delegation arrived there on Sunday using the plane with a journey of approximately one hour. A choice which raises questions since the French Football Federation, through its president Philippe Diallo, had confirmed this year its intention to use the train when this solution is possible.
The FFF had also demonstrated its goodwill last June by having the world vice-champions travel by TGV to face Luxembourg (3-0) in Metz. But the use of rail via the Eurostar, which consumes less energy, was not favored this time to get to Belgium. L’Equipe argues that the route that was proposed to Didier Deschamps’ men was too early in the morning. Security problems linked to boarding at Gare du Nord have also been raised.
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Last March, Philippe Diallo told Le Figaro that the Federation would study the possibility of using the train on national territory when the selection criteria were met regarding timetables, player safety, recovery and the favorable schedule. “Things are progressing and our France A team will be on the train soon. I’m trying to take action, it takes time, things are going on the right track.” he had insisted a few weeks before the train trip to Metz.
L’Equipe reports that the use of gentler mobility such as the train “remains a goal» for the FFF but in September, the Blues had already used the plane to go to Lyon to face Belgium (2-0 victory), just three days after being beaten at the Parc des Princes by Italy (1-3).
