N'Golo Kanté is set to captain the French national team in their upcoming Nations League match against Israel, following the absences of key players Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Didier Deschamps, the French coach, has emphasized the importance of experience in his selection, as Kanté is one of the few remaining world champions in the squad, alongside Benjamin Pavard. This marks a significant return for Kanté, who had to miss the 2022 World Cup due to injuries and has since moved to play in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad.
Kanté's leadership style is characterized by humility and a strong work ethic, earning him the respect of his teammates. Although he is not traditionally vocal, his ability to lead by example on the pitch has made him a suitable choice for captaincy, especially in a transitional period for the team. Deschamps has noted that Kanté has always been a driving force in the squad, even without the armband, and his appointment as captain reflects a collective decision aimed at fostering team unity.
The match against Israel is crucial for France, who currently sit second in their group and need at least a draw to secure qualification for the quarter-finals of the Nations League. Kanté's leadership will be pivotal as the team navigates the challenges posed by the absence of several key players.
