Aurelien Tchouameni to Captain France Against Israel in Nations League

Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has been appointed as captain of the French national team for their Nations League match against Israel, as confirmed by the French Football Federation on Wednesday. The announcement comes in the wake of Kylian Mbappe‘s absence from the team due to the Nations League fixtures against Israel and Belgium.

Kylian Mbappe, who has recently transferred to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, is the regular captain of the national team. However, his decision to skip the matches has stirred controversy in France, particularly as he remains match-fit to continue playing for the Spanish club. Mbappe’s absence has sparked discussions regarding his commitment to the national team amidst his ongoing club commitments with Real Madrid.

In the absence of Mbappe, Tchouameni emerged as one of the leading candidates for the captaincy alongside teammates such as fullback Jules Kounde and goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The decision to appoint Tchouameni indicates confidence in the midfielder’s leadership capabilities.

The French team currently stands second in Group A2 and looks forward to facing Belgium after their encounter with Israel. The matches are crucial as France seeks to solidify its position in the group.

The French national team coach, Didier Deschamps, has publicly addressed the situation surrounding Mbappe, dismissing speculations that his exclusion is a result of pressure from Real Madrid. Deschamps’ statements aim to quell rumors and maintain focus on the team’s upcoming challenges in the Nations League.