Olivier Giroud has admitted he is targeting glory with France as he eyes up three figures in international caps, despite Euro 2020 being pushed back a year to 2021.
The coronavirus pandemic saw the first ever planned pan-European Euros pushed back a year, perhaps meaning those approaching the end of their careers may face difficulty in getting selected.
However, Giroud – who has previously said he would retire from the international stage after Euro 2020 – revealed he still wants to reach 100 caps before he finishes his career with the national side.
He told French newspaper Le Dauphine Libere, as quoted by Goal: “I am at 97 caps and I hoped to reach the 100 mark at the March and June friendlies. This is only a postponement.
“Regarding the number of goals, I am only two off Michel Platini, it is also clearly an objective.”
Giroud was often singled out for criticism during Les Bleus’ victorious 2018 World Cup campaign as he floundered in front of goal while teammates Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann stole the show up front.
He remains a firm favourite of manager Didier Deschamps, despite constant speculation over his future at club side Chelsea.
The former Montpellier forward joined the Stamford Bridge side in January 2018 but has often had to make do with substitute appearances, particularly this season as Frank Lampard has preferred Tammy Abraham as his sole striker up front.
Giroud scored his first Premier League goal of the season in February against Tottenham and followed it up with another strike four games later against Everton, with Chelsea sat comfortably enough in fourth ahead of the potential return of the Premier League.
If and when the season does recommence, Chelsea still have fixtures against teams like Liverpool and Wolves to complete, as well as the second leg of their last 16 Champions League tie with Bayern Munich.