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At youth level, Anelka played for the French under-20 team at the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship, and made his senior team debut for France in a goal-less draw with Sweden on 22 April 1998. Anelka made his first appearance in a major tournament at Euro 2000; France went on to win the competition. He also formed part of the squad which won the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. Despite a promising start, Anelka lost his place in the national team from 2001–2007 as he was not playing much first team football at club level, mainly due to the fact that he was frequently transferred between clubs.[37] When striker Djibril Cissé was forced out of 2006 FIFA World Cup due to injury, Olympique Lyonnais' striker Sidney Govou was called up as Cissé's replacement rather than Anelka, who described the decision as a "real shame... I was completely available and ready to play in this World Cup. I think I could have helped France."

Anelka came on as a substitute in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Lithuania on 24 March 2007, and scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory. Following his performance, Anelka was praised by Raymond Domenech: "It is the Nicolas I like to see... when he shows these qualities, he is a candidate for a permanent place." [38] He also scored in the 2–0 victory against Ukraine on 2 June 2007, and is now one of Raymond Domenech's first-choice strikers, forming France's number one attacking partnership with Thierry Henry.[citation needed]

Anelka featured in the France squad for the Euro 2008 Championships in Austria and Switzerland.[39] Anelka started France's first group game against Romania, but was substituted after 72 minutes.[40] He did not start either of France's remaining two games in the tournament against the Netherlands and Italy, coming on as a substitute in both games.[41][42]

Anelka played a key role in France's FIFA World Cup playoff against the Republic of Ireland. He scored the winning goal in the 72nd minute that put France in a good position with one away goal