Kurt Zouma hopes his strong Chelsea form can continue over the second half of the season in order to boost his chances of playing for France at Euro 2016.
The 21-year-old has provided a reason for optimism amid a miserable campaign for the Blues, making 16 starts in the Premier League and establishing himself at the heart of defence.
Zouma has only made two substitute appearances for his country, however, and is eager to cement his place in Didier Deschamps's plans as the ex-Marseille coach looks to mastermind a tournament victory on home soil.
"It is a big year for me personally," he said in the Chelsea newsletter.
"There are the Euros in France and of course I want to be there in the squad so I have to keep working hard with Chelsea, improving myself in training and playing games.
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"The tournament is at home in France, we want to win and be a very strong team, just like we do with Chelsea.
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"There are many more matches to win in 2016 and the new year has started well – let's keep it up."
Zouma, who joined Chelsea from Saint-Etienne in 2014, believes he has made big strides as a player in the last year.
He continued: "I am very proud to be at Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"I am very happy and feel I have improved a lot. In 2015 I had a lot of chances to play, played in some big games and won two titles, so I am happy with the year on a personal level."
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