Varane implores France to rediscover World Cup form
Raphaël Varane was a key part of France's 2018 World Cup win and he wants to help Les Bleus rediscover that form in the Nations League.
Raphaël Varane called on France to rediscover their World Cup-winning form as they prepare to face Belgium in the Nations League semi-final.
Varane won the World Cup in 2018 with Les Bleus but was also part of the disappointment of Euro 2020, which saw France eliminated at the last-16 stage by Switzerland.
France's form in 2021 includes a run of five consecutive draws across all competitions, the first time Les Bleus have gone on such a streak, up until the 2-0 win over Finland in their last outing.
France remain unbeaten
Didier Deschamps' side have however remained unbeaten in their first six matches of World Cup 2022 qualification – the first time they have achieved the feat in qualifying matches for a major tournament since 2006.
And Varane implored his country to use the triumph over Finland as a confidence booster for the upcoming Nations League clash, with the winner facing either Spain or Italy in the final.
"We finished the last game very well," Manchester United centre-back Varane told reporters at Tuesday's pre-match news conference.
"We needed it to revive a dynamic, to regain that confidence. When we chained draws together, there could have been less confidence, but these are the hazards of high-level football.
"We must build on this to continue to maintain this positive dynamic and gain new momentum, with greater success.
"There are all the qualities in this group. It's up to us to succeed in triggering this confidence and success which has enabled us to be world champions.
"We know that it takes this energy, this little madness sometimes in the game to create it."
Varane is joined in the France camp by the Hernández brothers, Lucas and Theo, who could feature in defence together against Belgium.
The pair, who appeared at the news conference in tandem, assured that whoever starts will give their all to ensure that their team are in the final on Sunday.
Hernández brothers pull in same direction
"We are brothers but on the field, we are partners," Lucas Hernández said.
"The most important thing is that everyone wants to win. These are special moments.
"When the matches start, we don't know who will start, but we will be united, we will give each other advice. We're all going to pull in the same direction."
Theo Hernández echoed his brother's sentiments, adding: "We will help each other. It doesn't matter if it's me or Lucas playing. The other will be there to help him at all times."