N’Golo Kante, the champion of the World Cup, has been called up to the French national team for Euro 2024, along with a list of 25 other players.
33-year-old midfielder Kante, who presently plays for the Saudi team Al-Ittihad, was a key player in France’s World Cup victory in 2018. However, he hasn’t played for his nation since June 2022.
Although Kante had injury struggles towards the conclusion of his Chelsea career, France manager Didier Deschamps believes his experience will help the team in Germany.
Deschamps stated on the French TV channel TF1, “He has played a full season, albeit not in a European league as he is in Saudi Arabia.”
“He’s fully recovered. N’Golo Kante will undoubtedly make the French squad better because of his expertise.”
Young players Bradley Barcola, 21, and Warren Zaire-Emery, 18, of Paris St-Germain, have also been chosen after making an impression for the Ligue 1 winners.
Zaire-Emery, a teenager, claims he has been given permission to take his final examinations later than his classmates so he may focus on succeeding with France.
“Very happy to be on the list, it’s one of the best competitions to play with France and I’m very happy and proud to represent my country,” Zaire-Emery told TF1.
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“I asked to be able to do it [exams] in September to be calm and focused on football.”
Along with such youthful talent, Deschamps’ roster also includes Arsenal defender William Saliba and star attackers Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud.
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France, which won the trophy in 1984 and 2000, is one of the pre-tournament favourites as they attempt to win a third European championship.
On June 17, they open their campaign against Austria in Stuttgart.
The French team for Euro 2024
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)
Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris St-Germain), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco)
Forwards: Kylian Mbappe (Paris St-Germain), Bradley Barcola (Paris St-Germain), Ousmane Dembele (Paris St-Germain), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), Randal Kolo Muani (Paris St-Germain), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan)