Francis Coquelin is yet to make an appearance for the France national senior team and describes doing so as a personal goal for him, despite deciding to concentrate on Arsenal for the moment.

The 24-year-old has made seven appearances for the u21 team, but now he’s getting older, the defensive midfielder explained that he wants a shot in the senior squad.

“Every player wants to represent their country and the Euros in France is something massive for any French player to be a part of,” he said. “To be part of the squad would be amazing but there are loads of things to do first and the most important thing is Arsenal.”

After Mikel Arteta got injured last season, the midfielder has stepped up to the mark and been a consistent feature for the Arsenal first team. Although still a little naive, the Frenchman has improved and been a great asset to the squad.

Coquelin believes that this run in the squad is key to getting him noticed and ultimately, playing for France.

“If I play well here maybe I will get a chance for France, but the most important thing is Arsenal,” he clarified. “As any French player would, though, you want to play for France and hopefully it can happen one day.

“It would be unbelievable. I won the Under-19 Euros and it was something unbelievable as well. To win the Euros with the French national team would be even more crazy. If I perform well here, maybe I will get the chance to play for France but I think the most important thing is to stay focused on Arsenal and then things will come along.”

Speaking about France winning the World Cup in 1998, the midfielder said, “Of course I remember it. All my family were watching the games so I remember it well. It was such a great feeling. To play in front of a home crowd in France would be unbelievable with the support of all the French people. We have to wait and see, and work hard, that’s the most important thing.”

Although the France national side isn’t quite as highly rated as it was 15 years ago, it’s still no walk in the park to get into. In order for Coquelin to show he’s good enough, it’s going to take more than six decent months to prove he’s ready. Fortunately, if he does as he says and concentrates on playing well and developing for Arsenal, the rest should come.