Having received praise from Les Bleus' coach recently, the full-back believes that he is still in with a chance of turning out for is country this summer
Former France Under-21 captain Sebastien Corchia is hoping his fine form with Lille will be enough to catapult him into Didier Deschamps’ squad for Euro 2016.
Injury prevented the right-back from being available for selection ahead of friendlies with Netherlands and Russia, but the national team coach has commented positively on his club form, meaning the dream of the 25-year-old turning out for Les Bleus is still alive.
“I am happy to hear positive things about me from Deschamps, and it is extremely motivating for me for the rest of the season,” he told Goal.
“As a football player you must always have dreams, hopes and ambitions. Those mean that you will always work hard.
“Of course I have ambitions about playing for Les Bleus - that would be an honour, and it would make me so proud to represent my country. And of course being at the Euros in France would be something extraordinary.”
“I’m focused completely on my performance for Lille because that is the place where I can show week after week that I can make a difference. That is the most important.
“I think I have developed my game. I’m 25-years-old now and I have played more than 200 games in Ligue 1, and I think I have performed on a pretty consistent level - so I feel ready for any kind of challenge in my career.”
Should things fall through with France, Italy could also represent another pathway to the international stage, but it is not one that is Corchia’s priority at present.
“I could play for Italy, because I have dual citizenship, but that is not my focus right now,” he explained.
“I went through the youth ranks with France, and I had 26 appearances for the U21s. I was even the captain - and I’m very proud of that. So it would be logical to continue as a player with Les Bleus.
“There are many great French players, so the competition is very high. I just have to continue working hard for my club.”
While his current groin problem is a setback, the former Sochaux man is not of the opinion that it is a decisive one as he readies himself to return to action after the international recess.
“I will be back very soon. It is a good thing that this is only a short injury break for me,” he said.
Corchia has turned out 32 times for Lille this season, with his attacking style rewarded with two goals and three assists.
- Goal