History will remember that he entered the hearts of the French after a too-long cross from Lucas Hernández which led to a brilliant inspiration. Since then, the expression second post resonates with Benjamin Pavard. While his career changed after a successful 2017-2018 season with Stuttgart and a magical volley that brightened the day of 67 million French people in July 2018 against Argentina, the former LOSC is still in the French team six years later. Author of a remarkable first season with Inter Milan, the central defender, now 28 years old, will be present in Germany with the Blues for an attractive Euro 2024. And while Didier Deschamps’ Blues will play with the knife between their teeth after a frustrating epilogue during the last World Cup, Benjamin Pavard will surely be one of the most vengeful.
Having only played one match during the last World Cup in Qatar, the Nerazzurri number 28 did not play a big role in the French epic. Obviously, the native of Maubeuge has not forgotten this particular competition and the nightmarish final against Argentina. “I experienced the two competitions differentlyconfessed Pavard to Téléfoot this Sunday. Because 2018, I played and 2022, I experienced it from the bench. When you play, it’s physical, but when you’re on the bench, it’s exhausting. We still have it across our throats. Through this, we prepare for the future and I think it will help us for the Euro.» But now, even if he is expected to play a fairly important role with the France group in the coming weeks, the defector from Bayern Munich is not starting in the shoes of a starter during the next Euro.
Benjamin Pavard wants to win the Euro with France on July 14
Indeed, while Didier Deschamps is not necessarily used to shaking up his hierarchy, seeing a central hinge composed of Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté makes sense. And even if he comes out of a great vintage in Milan, Benjamin Pavard, finally back in the middle with the Blues, is aware of the enormous competition for his position under the rooster’s tunic. A situation far from being inhibiting for the person concerned: “it’s positive. Of course there is competition, but I see it well. It’s healthy so that’s how you can progress. And that’s how you raise your level of play. From now on, it’s up to the coach to decide whether he puts me in or not. I will always respect his choices. I feel physically ready and mentally too. As soon as I have the opportunity to play, I will give my best to perform as well as possible.»
Dedicated to the collective cause, the right-hander now has only one dream: to help France win the third Euro in its history. And while the final will be played on July 14, Benjamin Pavard sees it as a symbol. “We play football to win titles and provide emotions to all French people. We were able to see that at the 2018 World Cup, it was exceptional, incredible. I hope we can experience that again this summer. That would be a nice nod because the final will take place on July 14. It’s a national holiday too. When you play football, you do everything to win. You look at the calendar and especially when the final takes place, because that’s the goal. That would be fabulous. We’re not there yet. We think about it a little, but there are still matches to play and win. We can dream, but we have to take it game by game. You shouldn’t think you’ve already reached the final. We have a quality group and we can dream. That would be a great story.» See you next June 17 against Austria (9 p.m.) so that Pavard and the Blues pave this road until July 14, synonymous with the Euro final.
