Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix (25) is adamant that he will play for the French national team. The centre-back joined the Eagles from Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in a deal worth up to €21m in August 2024.
Lacroix, who was born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, has made 37 appearances in all competitions for Oliver Glasner’s side this term and will feature in the semi-final of a cup competition for the first time on Saturday when the Eagles face Aston Villa at Wembley.
In Palace’s back three, Lacroix is accompanied by two senior internationals, England regular Marc Guehi and United States centre-back Chris Richards.
He would face stiff competition to break into Didier Deschamps’ France squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup with William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, Benjamin Pavard and Jules Kounde clearly ahead of the Palace defender in the pecking order. Wesley Fofana, Castello Lukeba and Loïc Badé have higher stock, too.
However, at only 25, Lacroix could provide a fresh option for Deschamps’ successor when the France boss stands down after the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
The former France U20 international is determined to feature for his country and believes playing in the middle of two international centre-backs at Palace will help him develop into an international defender.
“Yeah, of course [playing for France is a goal],” Lacroix told News Hopper. “I think every player wants to play in a national team and wear the jersey of their country.“
“Next to me, I have Chris [Richards], who has played for the USA and Marc [Guehi], who everyone knows. It’s a good challenge. If they are there and they are at a good level, I can also be in my national team. They push me to give my best all the time, and one day I will be in the national team. I know. But right now it is about looking at what’s happening at Crystal Palace, the semi-final and winning the FA Cup.”
GFFN | Bobby Manzi
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