France’s World Cup champion N’Golo Kante has been called up to the national team, named as one of the 25 players in Didier Deschamps’ squad for Euro 2024.
The 33-year-old midfielder played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory but has not featured for his country since June 2022. He currently plays for Saudi club Al-Ittihad.
Kante faced injury challenges towards the end of his tenure at Chelsea. However, France manager Deschamps believes his wealth of experience will be beneficial to the squad during the tournament in Germany.
“He has played a full season, albeit not in a European league, as he is in Saudi Arabia,” said Deschamps on French TV channel TF1.
“He’s back to full fitness. With his experience, I’m convinced that the French team will be stronger with N’Golo Kante.”
Paris St-Germain’s young talents Warren Zaire-Emery, 18, and Bradley Barcola, 21, have earned their spots in the squad after showcasing their skills for the Ligue 1 champions.
Zaire-Emery, the teenager, mentioned that he has been allowed to postpone his final school exams compared to his peers. This arrangement allows him to focus on pursuing success with the French national team.
“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,” said Zaire-Emery on TF1.
“I asked to be able to do it [exams] in September to be calm and focused on football.”
In addition to the emerging talent, Deschamps has included star forwards Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud, along with Arsenal defender William Saliba, in his squad.
France, considered one of the favorites before the tournament, aims to secure their third European title after previous triumphs in 1984 and 2000.
Their journey kicks off against Austria in Stuttgart on June 17th.
France’s Euro 2024 squad
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)