The head coach of the Three Lions of England, Gareth Southgate, and the French national team coach, Didier Deschamps, have confirmed that John Stones and Aurélien Tchouaméni will captain their respective national teams during their UEFA Nations League games.
Due to the absence of Harry Kane and Kyle Walker, the English head coach has entrusted the leadership of the Three Lions to Manchester City’s defender John Stones, who described the moment as a dream come true for him:
“For my family to be able to see me walk out as England captain is a special moment and one I can’t thank the coach enough for.
“It was a great conversation we had last night, and one I was a bit speechless in.
“It was an incredible moment for me. It felt a bit more normal today, as everything resumed as usual—the preparation, the training we’ve done, and our focus.
“To be walking out with the armband on is an absolute honour and a moment I will cherish forever.”
Aurélien Tchouaméni, who has been nominated by Didier Deschamps due to the absence of the team’s captain, Kylian Mbappé, also confirmed he will be leading the French national team tonight during their UEFA Nations League game against Israel:
“It’s a great pride and responsibility.
“We had a discussion with the coach, and he told me about this decision. I am very happy.”
