Kylian Mbappe is ready to lead the next generation of French talent back to the top of world football, according to captain Hugo Lloris.
France suffered what Lloris described as a “painful” defeat to Argentina in the World Cup final as they lost on penalties despite twice coming back to make it 3-3 after extra time.
But, even in defeat, Mbappe shone with an electric performance as the 23-year-old became the first player since Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966 to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
Mbappe finished as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals and Lloris believes the Paris Saint-Germain star established himself as a leader for France in Qatar.
A number of senior players in the French squad could now retire from international football, including Lloris, Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema. But Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris has backed Mbappe to pick up the mantle.
“I believe that this tournament can be used for the future of the France team,” said Lloris.
“It was a bit of a handover between a generation arriving in the last phase of their careers and a new generation led by Kylian, who showed strong leadership in this tournament and even more so in this final. We must keep this France team at the top.
“The regret we can have is this first half. We were beaten in all aspects of the game. It’s painful.
“Despite that, in the second half, we came back with other intentions. We did it, also thanks to the talent of Kylian Mbappe - who knew how to carry the team through an important moment.”
Lloris, who became the all-time record appearance holder for France during the World Cup, was asked about his own future on Sunday night and said he needs “a little perspective”.
The 35-year-old said: “We’ll see in a few weeks. We come out exhausted from a tournament like that. We just want to find our own.”
France manager Didier Deschamps will hold talks over his future in the New Year. His contract only ran until the end of this World Cup and he will have discussions with the French Football Federation (FFF).
“We will receive Deschamps, I can’t wait to see his state of mind, we will do it quickly,” said FFF president Noel Le Graet.
Deschamps’ agent Jean-Pierre Bernes told RMC Sport on Monday morning: “It’s an important decision. It concerns his future. It’s a very personal decision. It’s a decision that must be taken calmly.”
Deschamps revealed the sickness bug which swept through his squad ahead of the World Cup final may have had a "physical and psychological impact" on his players during their dramatic defeat to Argentina.
A number of French players, including starters Raphael Varane, Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano, suffered from illness last week, and Deschamps said: “The whole squad has been facing a tricky situation for a while now, maybe that had a physical and psychological impact.”
