Maxence Lacroix called up by France, chasing a childhood dream | OneFootball

Maxence Lacroix was called up by France on Sunday to replace the injured William Saliba. According to L'Équipe, the Crystal Palace centre-back could make his bow on this week's tour in the United States.

In November, the 25-year-old discussed that ambition while preparing to face Strasbourg in the Conference League, with several former Sochaux team-mates planning to back him at La Meinau. A Sochaux academy graduate, he still follows the club.

He did not see that tie as a springboard for Didier Deschamps' attention, arguing the Premier League draws more eyes than the Conference League. The France shirt remains a childhood dream and, with a World Cup approaching, he wants to be part of that journey. Facing elite forwards each weekend, he believes England is the right stage to take the final step.

His outlook has been shaped by Jean-Philippe Mateta's late breakthrough and by his own form since joining Palace in summer 2024. He has led Premier League defenders for interceptions, with 18 since the summer, and was pivotal as Palace won the FA Cup by beating Manchester City 1-0.

They added the Community Shield, drawing 2-2 with Liverpool before winning 3-2 on penalties. Under Oliver Glasner, they want to chase every competition, including the Conference League, FA Cup and League Cup. Off the pitch, he has supported clothing drives for homeless people in south London and projects in Ajat, Dordogne.

On the pitch he frames his job as protecting team-mates, and says he does it fairly well.

Source: L'Équipe