Dimitri Payet hopes his stunning free-kick in France’s victory over Russia has sealed his place in Didier Deschamps Euro 2016 squad.
The West Ham midfielder came off the bench in the second half against Russia on Tuesday night and moments later curled in a brilliant 30-yard free-kick.
It put France 3-1 clear, and they went on to win 4-2 at the Stade de France.
Now Payet, who turned 29 on Tuesday, is hoping to persuade France boss Deschamps to include him in his plans for the tournament Les Bleus host this summer.
“It’s a beautiful 29th birthday present,” Payet said.
“The free-kick was my first touch, I’ve been a bit lucky.”
As for whether it has helped his cause, former Marseille man Payet said on the French Football Federation website: “I don’t know if I’ve scored any points, I tried to do the best I could. If I don’t go to the Euros? I’ll be disappointed but it’s the same for every player.”
