France: Deschamps makes stance clear on Mbappe captaincy

The PSG star has emerged as a candidate to wear the captain armband after the retirement of Hugo Lloris.

Didier Deschamps has confirmed Kylian Mbappe is among his choices for France’s captaincy.

Les Bleus are yet to announce their next captain after Hugo Lloris’ retirement. The Tottenham goalkeeper ended his international career after leading France to the World Cup final in Qatar.

Mbappe is the favourite candidate to receive the armband after Lloris ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

“There are some that I consider possible,” Deschamps said on Thursday. “Kylian is one of them.

“This will go through discussions with them before I make my decision. There is a responsibility in relation to being captain, with a little more important responsibility, but I want to have this discussion internally before I make my decision.”

Adrien Rabiot is the next player in line to become France’s new captain. But Deschamps says the experienced midfielder wouldn’t want a new role.

“Even if he has some experience, we know him well, as it is he has a possible form of leadership,” Deschamps added on Rabiot. “But the captaincy, I don’t know if he really wants it deep down. To let him stay as he is already will be very good.”

France will face Netherlands in their first European Championship qualifier next Friday.