Corentin Tolisso hopeful of a World Cup spot with France this summer

Despite the bevy of stars packed into France’s midfield, Corentin Tolisso remains hopeful of getting a spot in Didier Deschamps’s 23-man roster for this summer’s World Cup. The midfielder has had a decent first campaign with Bayern Munich, tallying a total of 8 goals and 5 assists from appearances across all competitions. He’s recently just returned from a minor shin injury and could see increased minutes seeing as Bayern have already wrapped up their 6th consecutive Bundesliga title. In addition, as Arturo Vidal is currently dealing with an injury; more field time for Tolisso could open. Jupp Heynckes will likely use caution in handling the Chilean in preparation for the DFB Pokal and Champions League semifinals.

Speaking to French outlet RMC (via ESPN), Tolisso said that he’s determined to keep working hard with Bayern Munich to try and earn his spot on France’s roster:

Nothing can be taken for granted for the World Cup. Until the squad list is published on May 15, you really have to give your all. There is competition for places in every position in the French national team, but above all in midfield. You have to work -- I can’t be sure of a place. I have to prove myself during games with Bayern Munich.

Five of Tolisso’s six appearances for the French National Team have come since he’s been a Bayern Munich player, suggesting that Deschamps recognizes the competition Tolisso is surrounded by. With the national team, he’ll be fighting for a spot in midfield with Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba, and N’Golo Kante; just to name a few.

Although his fight for a spot in the France squad is quite stiff, Tolisso feels as if his chances now are a lot better than they were a year ago, when he was with Lyon:

Compared to last year, it’s true my status has changed. Before, with Lyon, I had had just one cap. In May-June, I didn’t play. And now I played in October and November. I’m able to do good things and show I can play in this France team. I’ve settled in well with my teammates. On the pitch, it’s gone rather well. I’m a little bit disappointed not to have played more with the national team because of my injury, unfortunately. I would have liked to have been able to continue proving myself and showing that I can establish myself in the French national team.