N’Golo Kante has been included in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for this summer’s men’s European Championship in Germany.
Kante, 33, joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad last summer from Chelsea. His last appeareance for the France national team was in the summer of 2022, but he has earned a surprise recall having been selected in Deschamps’ 25-man squad.
Kante has made 53 appearances for France and featured in all seven games in their victorious 2018 World Cup campaign.
Neither Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku, who has endured an injury-hit first season at Stamford Bridge, nor his club-mates Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto have been included in the group.
There was no place, either, for the London-born Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise despite his impressive form in the Premier League.
The uncapped Bradley Barcola, who helped Paris Saint-Germain reach the Champions League semi-finals, is in the group, along with 18-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has been named in the squad despite the fact that he sustained a stress injury to his left foot during the Champions League semi-final second-leg win over Bayern Munich. He is a doubt for the final on June 1.
Kylian Mbappe, who last week announced that he will be leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, will captain Deschamps’ team in Germany.
France have been drawn in Group D for the tournament alongside the Netherlands, Austria and Poland.
They kick off against Austria on June 17, meet Netherlands on June 21 before closing out against Poland on June 25.
France squad in full
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Aréola (West Ham United), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens).
Defenders: Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Benjamin Pavard (Inter), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Adrien Rabiot Juventus), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad).
Forwards: Bradley Barcola (PSG), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Kinglsey Coman (Bayern Munich), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Randal Kolo Muani (PSG), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Marcus Thuram (Inter).
(Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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