France coach Didier Deschamps has named a 25-man squad for Euro 2024, omitting one potential player allowed by UEFA rules. The surprise inclusion is N’Golo Kanté, the 33-year-old midfielder who last played for France before the 2022 World Cup. Kanté, now playing for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, was a key player in Deschamps’ midfield alongside Paul Pogba, who is currently serving a four-year doping ban.
Kylian Mbappé, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germain this year, leads a contingent of players from the club, including uncapped forward Bradley Barcola. Antoine Griezmann, listed as a midfielder, and Theo Hernández are also included in the squad. However, Lucas Hernández, Theo’s brother, will miss the tournament due to a serious knee injury.
The squad showcases a mix of experienced players and young talent, with a strong representation from top European clubs. France will rely on Mbappé’s goalscoring prowess and the midfield expertise of Kanté and Griezmann to navigate the challenging Group C, which includes Germany, Spain, and Portugal.
France Euro 2024 Squad
Goalkeepers: 1. Brice Samba (Lens), 16. Mike Maignan (Milan), 23. Alphonse Areola (West Ham).
Defenders: 2. Benjamin Pavard (Inter), 3. Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid), 4. Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), 5. Jules Kounde (Barcelona), 17. William Saliba (Arsenal), 21. Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), 22. Theo Hernandez (Milan), 24. Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool).
Midfielders: 13. N’Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), 6. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), 8. Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), 14. Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), 18. Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain), 19. Youssouf Fofana (Monaco).
Forwards: 7. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), 9. Olivier Giroud (Milan), 10. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), 11. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), 12. Randal Kolo Muani (Paris Saint-Germain), 15. Marcus Thuram (Inter), 20. Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), 25. Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
