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By Martin Graham | 17th May 2024
On Thursday evening, Didier Deschamps, the coach of the French national team, revealed the eagerly awaited 25-man squad for Euro 2024. The announcement, made during TF1’s evening news broadcast, included some notable selections and surprises. Kylian Mbappé of PSG, who missed a critical penalty in the 2020 Euros leading to France’s early exit, will lead the team as captain for the first time in a major tournament.
Unexpected selections and key omissions
A major surprise in Deschamps’ squad is the recall of N’Golo Kanté, who last played for France on June 3, 2022. The 33-year-old midfielder’s return adds depth to the team. The squad also sees the introduction of a single debutant, PSG winger Bradley Barcola, whose adaptability and dribbling prowess will be valuable.
Warren Zaïre-Emery, another PSG talent, is the youngest member of the squad at 18. Recently honored as the Young Ligue 1 Player of the Year, Zaïre-Emery’s inclusion marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Meanwhile, veteran striker Olivier Giroud, 37, is poised for his final major tournament appearance before moving to LAFC.
Injury setbacks and preparatory matches
Notably absent is PSG left-back Lucas Hernandez, sidelined by an ACL rupture during a Champions League semi-final. Despite recent injury concerns, Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni and Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman have been selected, showcasing Deschamps’ confidence in their recovery.
France, looking to capture their first European Championship since 2000, will play two friendly matches before heading to Germany. They face Luxembourg in Metz on June 5, followed by a match against Canada in Bordeaux on June 9. In the tournament, Les Bleus will start against Austria on June 17 in Düsseldorf, followed by games against The Netherlands on June 21 in Leipzig, and Poland on June 25 in Dortmund.
France’s Euro 2024 squad
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)
Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Théo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid), William Saliba (Arsenal), Benjamin Pavard (Inter Milan), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni (both – Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Antoine Griezmann (Atlético de Madrid), N’Golo Kanté (Al-Nassr), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
Forwards: Bradley Barcola ,Ousmane Dembélé, Randal Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappé (all – PSG), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
Source : MyFootballFacts