Maxence Lacroix faced Crystal Palace teammates in Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma as France beat Colombia 3-1 in Maryland. Now the trio will hope they have done enough to make their respective country's World Cup squad.
There was a significant Palace feeling to France’s clash with Colombia, with three Eagles on the pitch on Sunday night.
The two sides, who have both qualified for this summer’s World Cup, were in action at the Northwest Stadium, the home of the Washington Commanders, in Maryland.
Maxence Lacroix made his full debut for France, having won his first cap off the bench in a 2-1 win over Brazil three days before, and was only called into the squad as injury cover for Arsenal’s William Saliba.
Lacroix had opposition in the form of Palace teammates Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma, who both started for Colombia.
It was Lacroix’s day, though, as he maintained his 100% record with France.
Didier Deschamps’ men ran riot in the first half, with goals from Desire Doue and Marcus Thuram handing Les Bleus a 2-0 lead at the break.
Doue secured his brace in the second half, scoring from a Thuram assist but Lacroix’s hopes of a first France clean sheet were ended 13 minutes from time.
Lerma found Jaminton Campaz on the left of the box and the forward was able to tuck away his chance.
It capped off an evening which Oliver Glasner would have been delighted about, seeing three of his squad play a full 90 minutes for their countries and return home without an injury.
Lacroix in particular showed he is at home at the very top level, something Palace fans have known for some time.
The Eagles’ vice captian completed 42 of his 45 passes in his 90 minutes on the field, and was a defensive menace too, with 11 defensive contributions and four clearances made.
Now Lacroix will be hoping he has done enough to convince Deschamps to take him to the World Cup, with the France squad announced in May.
He said: “I had the opportunity, I took it, I played my football without pressure.
“I showed that I have qualities to show that I can be part of this group”
France begin their World Cup campaign on 16 June, when they face Senegal in Group I.
They wll also compete against Norway and the winner of Iraq’s intercontinental play-off with Bolivia in what is one of the tougher groups at the tournament.
Colombia meanwhile, will face Portugal and Uzbekistan, as well as the winner of Congo DR’s intercontinental playoff with Jamaica.
Lerma and Munoz look almost guaranteed to be involved for Colombia, has Lacroix done enough to make the France squad?
Only time will tell.