Malo Gusto out to prove that he deserves spot in star-studded France team

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/gusto-malo/YNCrLSO2/"]Malo ‌Gusto[/a] acknowledged that [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/kounde-jules/v36QVRPu/"]Jules Kounde[/a] remained the first ‌choice right back but said competition was fierce throughout the squad.[/p][p]"We know we have a squad of very ‌high quality and competition is important," ⁠Gusto told reporters ‌on Thursday.[/p][p]"[b]I know Jules starts. I came here to ​play, that's why I'm here. The coach makes his choices. I'll be ready whatever ​happens and I'll give everything for the shirt whenever I'm on the pitch[/b]."[/p][p]The [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/chelsea/4fGZN2oK/"]Chelsea[/a] defender said ⁠he had not ​yet discussed his role with Deschamps but insisted his focus was on being prepared when called upon.[/p][embed guid="b1309e7a-2a2d-4672-8fce-53a2351eed4d" url="https://x.com/FrenchTeam/status/2067488324118306933" social-type="twitter" /][p]"[b]Honestly, I haven't spoken to the coach yet. My ‌role is mainly to be ready. I didn't start the first match, so I have to stay focused and I know that when the coach puts me on the pitch, I'll give everything and I'll make sure I show that I can play and that I can be in the starting 11[/b]," Gusto said.[/p][p]The 23-year-old added ‌that simply being selected for a World Cup ​squad was not enough to satisfy him.[/p][p]"[b]My ‌mindset is that I'm in the squad and I want to play[/b]," he said. "[b]As a player, you want to take part. These are the competitions that drive me[/b]."[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/france/QkGeVG1n/"]France[/a] take on [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/iraq/K8aAGt6r/"]⁠Iraq[/a] in Philadelphia in ⁠Group I [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/france-QkGeVG1n/iraq-K8aAGt6r/?mid=KMRMTaNM"]on ‌Monday[/a].[/p][infobox id="4ccc1b10-d68f-4c97-bcf4-5e613c17c2e3" /]