Escudé enjoying France chance

Having been unexpectedly included in France's squad for the forthcoming UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying fixtures against Scotland and the Faroe Islands, Sevilla FC defender Julien Escudé is relishing the challenge of establishing himself at international level.

World Cup disappointment
The 27-year-old, who can play at left-back or in the heart of defence, was first called up by Raymond Domenech in March, but did not play. Despite his success at club level – he was part of the Sevilla side that captured the UEFA Cup in May – Escudé missed out on the FIFA World Cup finals, with William Gallas, Lilian Thuram, Jean-Alain Boumsong and Gaël Givet ahead of him in the pecking order and Eric Abidal and Mikaël Silvestre the preferred left-back options. On this occasion, however, Silvestre's metatarsal injury rules him out while Givet has been omitted.

'Break into the hierarchy'
"Even if they lost the World Cup final, a squad grew together in Germany and it's hard to break into that hierarchy," Escudé said. "Now, however, changes are taking place. I'm in the squad this time but may be out the next. To be called up is not just pleasing, it is recognition for the way I conduct my career. To be called up is not easy, it's the result of a lot of hard work and sacrifice. It's a massive goal that I've reached, but I intend to go further."

'Reliable defender'
Escudé – only the fourth Frenchman to lift the UEFA Cup as his club overwhelmed Middlesbrough FC 4-0 in May – is well known to the France coach having been part of his team that reached the 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Championship final. "He's a reliable defender who is a regular with his side in a major league," Domenech said. "It's normal to have him with us."

Valuable versatility
Escudé featured at left-back in that U21 side but Sevilla coach Juande Ramos deploys him as a left-sided centre-back, the player's preferred role. Having operated at full-back for his previous clubs Stade Rennais FC and AFC Ajax, he would be happy to fill that berth for Les Bleus, though he recognises his ability to play in a number of positions gives him an advantage. "My versatility is an asset. The coach wants a tactically flexible squad which is able to cope with injuries and opponents' systems."

Le Guen reunion
In Scotland, Escudé could cross paths again with new Rangers FC manager Paul Le Guen, who gave him his Ligue 1 debut at Rennes in 2000/01. "He offered me more than that," explained Escudé. "He showed me that you can remain true to your own vision and still have success, as he did with [Olympique] Lyonnais and as he will in Glasgow." Escudé, who became the first French player to represent Ajax in 2003, has certainly taken that advice to heart.