Premier League legend ready for surprise World Cup call up

The World Cup is edging ever closer, with the United States, Mexico and Canada all putting in the final touches as they prepare to host fans from all around the globe for this celebration of international football.

Argentina will be looking to retain their crown and become the first nation to do so since Brazil did it in 1962, with Italy being the only other nation to achieve this feat.

However, the South American side will need to contend with the likes of France, Germany and Spain to earn their fourth World Cup.

There will be several big names making their way to North America to compete, and now, in a similar fashion to Diego Maradona’s return to international duty for the 1994 World Cup in the United States, a former captain that lifted the famous trophy would like one last shot at getting his hands on it once again.

Argentine professional football player Diego Armando Maradona (1960 - 2020) prepares to throw the ball during the 1994 FIFA World Cup Group D match Argentina vs Greece (Getty Images)

It has been reported by L’Equipe that former Tottenham Hotspur captain and Premier League legend Hugo Lloris would not turn down the opportunity to represent France in the competition.

Sources close to Lloris have been in contact with the French outlet as they look to source who may be on the plane to the US for their national team, and they have suggested he could be an option for the third-choice keeper slot.

The source said: “Out of modesty and respect for the current goalkeepers, he would never campaign to be there; he doesn't want to be the one stealing the spot.

"But obviously, he wouldn't say no to a call-up to the French national team. Again, it's out of the question for him to put himself forward or use any means to get selected."

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Lloris has impressed recently in the MLS for LAFC, and it is this form that has prompted the question about whether the 39-year-old could return to the France squad.

California has been kind to Lloris this season as he has kept eight clean sheets in the MLS from his nine fixtures this campaign while also helping LAFC qualify for the Concacaf Champions League semi-finals.

Another factor may be the fact he is playing his football in the US, so this could be seen as beneficial for Dider Deschamps, who could use his knowledge to help his team settle quicker into the competition and the country as they look to secure a third World Cup title.