Benjamin Pavard sends a cash message to Didier Deschamps

He entered the hearts of the French with a legendary half-volley against Argentina in 2018. After this iconic goal of France's coronation at the 2018 World Cup, Benjamin Pavard established himself in the team of France. However, his situation has been delicate in recent months with the Blues between non-selection and his new status as a replacement. Indeed, while Jules Koundé has established himself as right defender with France, the Inter Milan player must be satisfied with the crumbs with the Blues. A new reality that the person concerned faced during the last Euro. Called up, he had only been a simple substitute and had not played a single minute. An episode to which Benjamin Pavard had little taste.

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While several sources indicated that the former Bayern Munich player was dragging his spleen this summer during the continental tournament, the latter returned to this particular tournament at the microphone of Téléfoot this Sunday: “my role as a substitute at the Euro? We prefer to play and be on the field. But we have to stay positive, because it’s important for the group. I was mentally and physically ready to play if the coach called on me. The most important thing is the collective. We don't have time to think in football. You have to question yourself and I questioned myself. The best is yet to come, I hope. We talk a lot with the coach, there is a lot of respect. If there is something to say, we say it with the coach. There have been no problems with the coach since I started until now.»

Benjamin Pavard thinks about the 2026 World Cup

However, the affairs of the native of Maubeuge did not improve after the tournament in Germany. Indeed, the Inter Milan defender was not called up during the September and October rallies. A heartbreak for the player trained at LOSC who had built part of his career on his prowess with the French team. Recalled for the two weeks in November following Wesley Fofana's injury, Pavard even had the pleasure of stepping onto the pitch again under the rooster's tunic by playing eight minutes against Italy last Sunday. A return that pleased Pavard: “if I had missed the EDF? Honestly yes. Since November 2017, I was called up to the French team. It's weird to see friends playing on TV. I took the opportunity to recharge my batteries. I came back even stronger today. (…) The return against Italy did me good. There were emotions that I missed and it's always a pleasure to represent France. I enjoyed the evening.»

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A precarious status with the Blues which inevitably raises a question: how does the person concerned manage this new situation? While several of his illustrious teammates recently said goodbye to the France team (Varane, Giroud, Griezmann), the prospect of international retirement looked like a credible alternative. However, Pavard never thought about it: “stop with the Blues? No, that didn't cross my mind. I still have a love of jerseys. I always want to play. I'm at a period where I'm not playing much at the moment with France but I'm still young, I'm only 28 years old. I don't have a preference, I'm very versatile. I started my career in midfield. At Inter, I play in a three-man defense. I'm used to playing on one side. It will be the coach’s choice, I am ready to play.” Obviously, after showing Didier Deschamps that he was determined to show his value with the Blues, playing the 2026 World Cup with France is a goal for the versatile defender: “the 2026 World Cup? Think about it, no. Because it's still far away. But a goal, yes.» The message got through.