World Cup winner N’Golo Kante has made a surprising return to the French national team for Euro 2024. Kante, now 33, is one of the 25 players selected by Didier Deschamps, the head coach of France.
Kante played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory. However, he hasn’t donned the national jersey since June 2022. Currently playing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Kante had a challenging period at Chelsea due to injuries. Despite this, Deschamps believes Kante’s vast experience will be invaluable to the squad in Germany.
“He’s back to full fitness. With his experience, I’m convinced that the French team will be stronger with N’Golo Kante,” Deschamps said on French TV channel TF1.
Young Talent and Veteran Presence
Joining Kante in the squad are young Paris St-Germain stars Warren Zaire-Emery, 18, and Bradley Barcola, 21. Both have impressed for the Ligue 1 champions, earning their spots in the national team. Zaire-Emery, still a teenager, has even arranged to sit his final school exams later to focus on the tournament.
“Very happy to be on the list. It’s one of the best competitions to play with France, and I’m very proud to represent my country,” said Zaire-Emery on TF1.
In addition to the fresh faces, Deschamps has named seasoned forwards Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud, along with Arsenal defender William Saliba.
France’s Quest for a Third European Title
France is considered one of the favorites for Euro 2024, aiming to secure their third European Championship title, following their victories in 1984 and 2000. They kick off their campaign against Austria in Stuttgart on June 17.
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)
Conclusion
The recall of N’Golo Kante to the French squad adds depth and experience as France aims for Euro 2024 glory. With a blend of seasoned stars and young talent, Deschamps’ team looks formidable. As the tournament approaches, fans eagerly await to see how this diverse squad will perform on Europe’s biggest stage.