"I still want to play for the national team," Griezmann was quoted as saying by Get French Football News. Recall that at the 2024 European Championship, the French national team reached the semi-finals, where they lost to the Spanish national team (1:2). Griezmann played six matches but did not register a single goal or assist. The veteran striker's future with the French national team has been the subject of much discussion in recent months. Now 33, Griezmann has been a mainstay of the national team for over a decade, having made his debut in 2014. He was a key member of the French teams that won the 2018 World Cup and the 2020 European Championship.
However, with France's disappointing semi-final exit at the last Euros, there has been speculation that Griezmann could be nearing the end of his international career. The rise of young forwards like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé and Kingsley Coman has put pressure on Griezmann's place in the starting line-up. But the Atlético Madrid forward has now moved to quash any retirement talk, insisting he still has the motivation to continue representing his country. "As long as the coach wants me and I feel good physically and mentally, I will continue to be available for the national team," Griezmann said.
France coach Didier Deschamps has praised Griezmann’s professionalism and leadership within the team, even though his playing time has diminished in recent years. Deschamps has hinted that he would be open to selecting Griezmann for the 2026 World Cup, provided the player remains fit for his club. “Antoine has always been an important player for us, on and off the pitch,” Deschamps said last month. “He brings so much experience and know-how to the group. As long as he performs well and has the desire to continue, he will be in my plans.” Griezmann’s commitment to the national team is all the more admirable given his reduced role in recent years. Once an undisputed starter, he has had to adapt to become more of a team player and super-sub at recent major tournaments.
At Euro 2024, Griezmann came off the bench in five of France's six matches, providing a veteran presence and creative spark when he was introduced. While he couldn't directly influence the outcome against Spain, his willingness to accept a reduced role earned him the respect of his teammates and coaching staff. "Antoine has always been a team player, putting the collective before individual interests," said France captain Hugo Lloris. "Even though his playing time has diminished, he has remained a valuable member of the team thanks to his experience and positive attitude. We are lucky to have him."
The 2024 European Championship, which will take place in Germany from 14 June to 14 July, promises to be one of the most anticipated and competitive editions of the tournament in recent memory. Hosts Germany will be looking to lift the trophy on home soil for the first time since reunification, while a host of other traditional powerhouses will aim to dethrone reigning champions Italy. The Azzurri’s triumph at Euro 2020, where they beat England on penalties in the final, marked their second European title and first since 1968. Coach Roberto Mancini has built a well-rounded and resilient squad, mixing experienced veterans like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci with a new generation of stars like Federico Chiesa and Nicolò Barella. Italy will be determined to become the first nation to successfully defend their European Championship title since Spain's back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2012.
However, the Italians will face stiff competition from several other continental heavyweights. Chief among them is three-time European champions Germany, who will be playing in front of their passionate home fans. Coach Hansi Flick has overseen a gradual rejuvenation of the German national team, with Joshua Kimmich, Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala emerging as the new cornerstones of the team. The pressure will be on Die Mannschaft to deliver on their promise on home soil, particularly given their disappointing last-2022 exit from the 1996 World Cup in Qatar. Germany’s last European Championship triumph came in XNUMX, and the country’s fervent supporters will be desperate to see their team lift the trophy for the first time in a generation.
Alongside Germany and Italy, the favourites will be Spain, a perennial contender who have won three European titles – in 1964, 2008 and 2012. Coach Luis Enrique has mixed experienced campaigners like Sergio Busquets and Koke with a new generation of midfield maestros including Pedri and Gavi. The 2008 and 2012 champions will be aiming to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of European football. England will also be keen to get going in the tournament, having reached the Euro 2020 final before falling horribly short to Italy. Gareth Southgate’s side boast a wealth of attacking talent, with the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden complemented by a new generation of exciting youngsters like Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount.
The Three Lions will be desperate to end their long wait for a major international trophy. Elsewhere, France will be eager to bounce back from their Euro 2024 semi-final exit, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembélé leading the way. The Netherlands, quarter-finalists in 2024, will be looking to build on their recent progress under Louis van Gaal. Belgium's 'golden generation' will be hoping to finally succeed on the biggest stage, having failed at previous major tournaments.
