Everton defender Lucas Digne has said that his move to Goodison Park has played a huge role in him making a comeback with the France national side. The 25-year-old was only on the standby list for Didier Deschamps during the summer World Cup where they were crowned the new champions after beating Croatia in the final.

Speaking to Everton TV, Digne admitted that the switch to Merseyside may have enhanced his return to the national side after he previously failed to make the squad for the global tournament in Russia, he said: “I think it (moving to Everton) is so important to my recall. When I came here I wanted to play every week, to enjoy it and discover a new country, a new league, and then see what happens (with France), but now I am so happy. I want to say thank you to my team-mates, the coach and the staff and the fans too because they helped me a lot to get the recall.”

Digne made the move to Everton from Barcelona during the summer transfer window after they assured him of regular gametime under manager Marco Silva. Initially, the Frenchman found himself out of the starting lineup with Leighton Baines occupying the left-back spot but he has managed to win over the head coach thereafter and has started the Toffees’ last five Premier League matches.

The former Lille graduate is expected to play second fiddle to Lucas Hernandez for France’s upcoming games against Iceland and Germany but he could get sometime against the former with the game being an international friendly. Meanwhile, France are already up to four points from just two matches in their Nations League group and they have the opportunity to firm the top position, should they overcome Joachim Loew’s side at the Stade de France.