Marcus Thuram and Khephren Thuram may both be included in the French team during this international break, as the younger brother Khephren joins the national squad
Marcus and Khephren Thuram have expressed their pride in being called up together to the France national squad.
Ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands on Friday, the brothers spoke to the media at France’s Clairefontaine base.
They are the latest siblings to receive a call-up from coach Didier Deschamps, following in the footsteps of Lucas and Theo Hernandez.
“I learned about his selection at the same time as him,” Marcus Thuram said. “I called him immediately and was more proud for him than for me.
“He is a very serious person, he impresses me, and he will still improve”
Khephren, who is 1998 World Cup winner Lilian Thuram’s son and Marcus Thuram’s brother, is eager to establish himself and build his own reputation in football.
He said: “I haven’t been in anyone’s shadow. It’s a source of pride and happiness to have a brother like Marcus. He is a very jovial person, and he has confidence in his qualities.
“I know he knows he can reach much, much higher, and he is working for that.”
Thuram brothers talk of their future
Ahead of their match against the Netherlands, Kylian Mbappe was appointed as the new captain of the France national team, taking over from Hugo Lloris who retired after the World Cup.
It is a decision team-mate Marcus supported as he said: “He’s a charismatic leader on and off the pitch. He can be a unifying captain.”
The Thuram brothers both feature in an exciting new generation for France, with Marcus explaining: “We are players with a lot of self-confidence. We don’t ask ourselves unnecessary questions when we enter the field.
“Randal Kolo Muani was not supposed to be at the World Cup. He came into the final and almost won it. This is a reckless generation that is not afraid of much.”
It is anticipated that Marcus Thuram will depart from Gladbach when his contract concludes at the end of the season. His father, Lilian Thuram, is expected to play a role in determining his next destination.
“He has the place of a dad, but he knows a little about it,” the forward said. “His word carries weight, I’m happy to have someone like him by my side.
“He will have a major place in the choices to come.”
Could Marcus and Khephren play together for club as well as country then?
“We all have different careers,” Marcus answered. “If we have to play together in a club, it will be with pleasure, but it’s not an obsession.”
“It’s perfect to have him next to me, because I let him answer when I don’t know what to say.” Khephren added.
