Why Pulisic is ready to take USA to next level - Giroud

It feels a little strange to be watching this World Cup from a TV studio, and not being involved on the pitch.

Until this summer, I had been at every major finals with France since 2012 - four Euro Championships and three World Cups. Now, I am enjoying this tournament in a different role, as a BBC Sport pundit.

France is still my team, of course. I am the number one fan of the French national side, and I wish them all the best, but 2024 was the right time for me to retire from international football.

You need to know when to stop and, for me, that was the time. I was 37, the manager did not play me so much at those Euros and, also, I could see the numbers and the quality of the strikers coming through.

I would be lying if I say I don't miss playing for France, and I have felt nostalgic this week, thinking about those past tournaments, but it is not like I have any regrets not being with them this time.

I went to see them play against Northern Ireland on Monday in Lille, which is my club's stadium, and I was so proud of the team - to see them, and the fans.

The expectations of the supporters is something you can't really see when you are on the pitch and focused on the game, but it is different now I am one of them.

I want the same thing too - I just wish for them to bring the third star, for a third World Cup win, back home. That's the dream for everyone.