West Ham remain deep in relegation trouble — 18th in the Premier League, struggling to score consistently and leaking goals at an alarming rate.
Yet despite their form, several Hammers remain regular fixtures for their national teams, with Jarrod Bowen starring for England and Lucas Paquetá and El Hadji Malick Diouf also earning call-ups for Brazil and Senegal respectively.
But not every West Ham player has been as fortunate.
One of the club’s more experienced international names has now spoken honestly about his recent exclusion from the national side.
Areola Opens Up on France Omission
Alphonse Areola has enjoyed a distinguished career — over 100 appearances for PSG, now past 100 in the Premier League for West Ham.
Internationally, he was part of France’s squads at both the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2024.
But despite that pedigree, Didier Deschamps opted to leave him out of the most recent France squad, instead selecting Mike Maignan, Brice Samba, and Lucas Chevalier as his three goalkeepers.
Speaking to West Ham’s official website, Areola admitted the omission hurt, but insisted he remains determined to fight his way back into contention ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
“I’d love to be back in the France squad for the World Cup next year,” said the French keeper.
“The decision for Didier Deschamps not to pick me recently was right, and I know that if I’m out, it means that I have to work more now and to give everything possible to show that I’m here in case something happens.”
He added: “If they make the decision to take me, then I’ll be more than happy, but I will work for it.”
For now, Areola remains outside Deschamps’ plans — but if West Ham continue their recent signs of improvement under Nuno Espírito Santo, the door to the World Cup may not be fully closed.
