Florian Thauvin (C) of France celebrates after scoring during the World Cup 2026 Qualifying Group D match against Azerbaijan at Parc des Princes(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Former Newcastle United forward Florian Thauvin has his eyes set on next summer's World Cup after making a remarkable return to the French national side.

The 32-year-old, who had an ill-fated spell on Tyneside after signing in 2015, was recalled to the international squad by Didier Deschamps this month after a six-year absence.

Not only did the Lens forward appear as a late substitute for World superstar Kylian Mbappe in Friday night's win over Azerbaijan at the Parc des Prince, but he got on the scoresheet in the 90th minute to complete a 3-0 victory.

Ironically, it means he has scored in consecutive appearances for France, after notching in his last game for his country, a 4-0 win over Andorra way back in June 2019.