Can Spurs Duo Lloris and Sissoko Go One Better at Belated Euro 2020?

A combination of Newcastle’s relegation from the Premier League and the fine form on international duty that saw him force his way into the starting XI of tournament hosts France led to Tottenham Hotspur signing Moussa Sissoko after Euro 2016.

Five years on, it still feels strange typing it and doubtless for you reading it when we all know international football operates in four-year cycles, he is out to go one better with Les Bleus at the belated Euro 2020 finals. Sissoko was again named by Didier Deschamps as a part of the French squad for yet another tournament.

Spurs stopper Hugo Lloris is the national team captain, meanwhile, leading Les Bleus at a third European Championship. He lifted the 2018 World Cup out in Russia after Portugal prevailed over France in extra time and denied them a victorious Euro 2016.

Sissoko had to sit their global triumph out two years later as only a mere standby. Deschamps hasn’t been afraid to make tough decisions during his tenure Les Bleus boss, evidenced by the almost six-year exile from the squad for prolific Real Madrid frontman Karim Benzema.

However, he has come back into the fold and so has Sissoko after winning his spot on the roster back following Tottenham’s run to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final. Tanguy Ndombele hasn’t earned a recall, however.

France are well-fancied at the Euros, of course. An article by Steve Davies on MansionBet’s Euro 2020 blog talks about just how much history Deschamps has in his hands. France could become the first team to be reigning World and European Champions on two separate occasions. Deschamps would also hold the distinction of being the only person to win both the World Cup (1998) and Euros (2000) as a player, and then do the same as a manager.

This isn’t Euro 2000, however, and Spurs’ French connections arguably face a much tougher group stage now than their legendary late 90s and early noughties vintage encountered. Vying to progress from the same pool as Les Bleus are neighbours Germany, Group F outsiders Hungary, and destined has seen fit that reigning European champions Portugal be in there as well.

If just two nations advance to the knockout phase of the Euro 2020 finals, then we would be talking about this as the proverbial group of death. Third place may be enough to progress, although France are favourites to win the pool.

Lloris has the armband at a fifth major tournament but he and Sissoko could end up facing Tottenham teammates in international colours. That is always one of the more interesting subplots to any Euros. There could be as many as a dozen players from Spurs selected by their respective countries.

Harry Kane captains pre-tournament favourites England, while Toby Alderweireld remains a lock in the Belgian defence alongside Tottenham alumnus Jan Vertonghen. Gareth Bale will carry the hopes of Wales on his shoulders, meanwhile, with performances at Euro 2020 possibly influencing if he returns to the club following his loan spell on a permanent basis.

Depending on how the group stage pans out, Spurs club colleagues could clash at the business end of the tournament. France have all the tools again to get that far once more.