- Kante's experience and fitness seen as assets by France boss Deschamps.
- Young PSG players Zaire-Emery and Barcola earn first call-ups.
- Star forwards Mbappe, Griezmann, and Giroud also selected.
Didier Deschamps, the French national team coach, has made a surprising decision by recalling N’Golo Kante to the France squad for Euro 2024. This move has raised eyebrows, as Kante’s last international appearance was in 2022, and he has since moved to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Despite being 33 years old, Kante will have the opportunity to add to his 56 caps for France. His recall is a testament to his enduring quality and experience, which will be valuable assets for the French team in the upcoming tournament.
However, not all players were as fortunate as Kante. Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku, who has struggled with injuries in his debut season in London, was excluded from the squad. Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise also missed out on selection.
Additionally, Chelsea’s Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto did not make the cut, while Alphonse Areola, William Saliba, and Ibrahima Konate, all of whom play in the Premier League, were included in the squad.
Bayern Munich’s Lucas Hernandez was ruled out due to injury, but PSG winger Bradley Barcola earned his first call-up to the national team. Established names like Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, and Antoine Griezmann were also included in the squad.
Deschamps has opted for a 26-man squad immediately, unlike other nations that have named preliminary lists ahead of the June 7 deadline to finalize selections. This decision suggests that Deschamps has a clear idea of his starting lineup and is confident in his team’s abilities.
France will face Luxembourg and Canada in warm-up friendlies before beginning their Euros campaign against Austria on June 17. They will then face the Netherlands and Poland in subsequent matches.
Kante’s recall and the exclusion of other players have sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. However, Deschamps’ decision-making has been vindicated in the past, and he will be hoping to lead France to another major tournament victory.
With a mix of experienced players and young talent, France has a strong squad heading into Euro 2024. Kante’s inclusion adds depth and quality to the midfield, and his presence will be crucial in the team’s quest for success.
France’s squad selection has set the stage for an exciting tournament, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the team’s performance in the upcoming friendlies and Euro 2024 matches.
