ENGLAND look set to lose a tug-of-war with France over Moussa Dembele after the Celtic star admitted he’d be “proud” to play under Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps.
The 20-year-old is poised to make his France Under-21 debut on Thursday after a sparkling run of form under Parkhead boss Brendan Rodgers. Deschamps has been keeping tabs on the striker, who hit a stunning brace against Manchester City in the Champions League last week.
But with the French hitman set to meet the five-year residency rule next year after joining Fulham at the age of 16, the English have also been considering a cheeky swoop.
Dembele, called up for Les Bleus’ games against Georgia and Northern Ireland, said: “If Didier Deschamps is keeping an eye on my performances then it means I am doing well, so that is a positive sign for me.
“I would be proud to play for a manager like him. I know that in the end hard work always pays off. I am a competitor. I am ambitious so I will keep working and I will get rewarded for it.
“Being called up to play with the Under-21s is an honour and I will obviously do my best and take everything that comes from the experience on board. It will make me a better player.”