The centre-back has seen almost everything change in the space of a year: a first France call-up, a World Cup this summer, and a £51 million move to Chelsea from Crystal Palace over the close season.
With William Saliba unavailable for this international break, Lacroix could see significant minutes across France's four Nations League matches, competing with Ibrahima Konaté and Jérémy Jacquet for a place, while Dayot Upamecano is considered undroppable after a commanding World Cup.
Lacroix spoke to reporters about training under new head coach Zinédine Zidane for the first time: "It's a pleasure, a lot of pride.
"We followed him when we were young, on TV, and now, training with him, it's wonderful. When it's Zidane who gives us a pass in training, you have to be sure of your qualities.
"But anyway, he hasn't lost anything. It's new, it's a new era, we have four matches to get playing time."
Lacroix made three appearances for France at this summer's World Cup as the team finished fourth, and has established himself as one of the Premier League's most reliable defenders since joining Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024, helping them win the FA Cup, the Conference League and the Community Shield along the way.