Melvyn Richardson would start in a number of selections. In the French team, on the right-back position, he has two big names in front of him: Dika Mem and Nedim Remili. Launched after the break, Saturday afternoon during the victory against Iceland (39-32), Jackson’s son made the most of his playing time: 6 goals on 7 shots, his only failure having been the first, while the refusal of play was close.
“France had defeat at Euro 2022 in its throat (21-29)did we have to put things right?
It was a pretty special match, we responded. We had a big match. We were able to slow down their strong point, the one-on-one, and keep the ball alive against their very high and very aggressive defense. A positive match for the whole team. Good for confidence.
This success places France as leader of the group, a contract more than fulfilled?
We are not going to be satisfied with that. Our goal is to win every match, not to do mathematics. We’re not going to stop there.
Do you have the feeling that France has reached another level? The goalkeepers but also your shooting efficiency were a cut above…
We knew we still had to make adjustments. The goalkeepers played a big game, it’s important for the team. Everyone made their contribution. It’s important that everyone regains and maintains the trust of teammates, staff and from a personal point of view for the future.
How do you cope with being the relay for Dika Mem and Nedim Remili at right back where you made the most of your playing time (15 minutes)?
It’s clear that it’s never easy to come back at the start of the second half after a very good first half from our colleagues. But that’s our strength: trusting everyone. It’s good to get some playing time, to stay in the rhythm for the future because we have such difficult matches and such a fast pace that we’re going to need everyone to get to the end. »