Enzo Le Fée plays down France call-up talk after Sunderland winner against AZ

Enzo Le Fée insists his focus remains firmly on Sunderland despite moving closer to a potential first senior France call-up under Zinedine Zidane.

The 26-year-old has been included in Zidane’s preliminary France squad ahead of the new manager’s first final selection on Friday. It represents significant progress for a player who was never called up by Didier Deschamps during his 14 years in charge.

Le Fée strengthened his case by scoring Sunderland’s winner in their 1-0 Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar, marking the club’s return to European competition after 53 years.

Le Fée has previously represented France at Under-20 and Under-21 level as well as for the Olympic team, but a senior appearance has so far remained out of reach.

His career has also taken several turns since leaving Lorient.

The midfielder joined Rennes in 2023 before moving to Roma one year later. After struggling for opportunities in Italy, he joined Sunderland on loan in January 2025 and subsequently completed a permanent move following their promotion to the Premier League.

He has since established himself as a regular under Régis Le Bris.

Zidane’s arrival has now provided Le Fée with a fresh opportunity internationally, although the Sunderland midfielder is refusing to become distracted by Friday’s announcement.

Speaking to Canal+ after the AZ victory, Le Fée explained that he will follow the France announcement as usual but is not obsessing over whether his name appears.

“It’s not something I’m focusing on,” he said. “I’m focusing on what I’m doing with my club. That’s what will determine whether or not I’m selected one day.”

Le Fée nevertheless admitted being included in the preliminary selection was encouraging.

“I’ve been shortlisted for the first time, which is great,” he added. “I’m concentrating on what’s happening here, and if it happens one day, it will be pure joy.”

For now, performances such as his match-winning contribution against AZ provide the strongest argument for eventually earning that first senior France opportunity.

Le Fée will discover on Friday whether he has done enough to make Zidane’s first final France squad ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Regardless of that decision, his approach remains unchanged: continue performing for Sunderland and allow his club form to determine whether a senior international opportunity eventually arrives.