Coquelin in the dark over France chances

Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has admitted that he is yet to speak to France manager Didier Deschamps just months before Euro 2016.

The Gunners star has never represented the France senior team although he has earned caps at every other level, starting with the Under-17s back in 2007.

The 24-year-old has impressed once again this season, making 18 appearances for Arsenal as he tries to help them win the Premier League title.

Coquelin’s chances of making the squad for the European Championships do look slim though with Paul Pogba, Blaise Matiudi, Yohan Cabaye and Morgan Schneiderlin all in front of him in the pecking order.

Although he is still being ignored by Deschamps, Coquelin insists he will continue to work hard in an attempt to make the squad.

He told the Arsenal Weekly Podcast: “I’m the kind of person who’s really focused on the club first. It’s how you play at the club that will decide whether you get to go to the national team.

“If I perform well, if it has to come it will come. I’m not really thinking about that too much at the moment because I’ve got a lot to accomplish here. But if it comes I’ll be happy. First of all I need to achieve what I want to achieve here.

“I haven’t been on the phone to him. I think he gives a pre-list of 30, 40 players and picks a squad from there. We haven’t had contact there but when it comes I hope I’m on top of the game and show I’ll deserve it.”