France confirm Euro 2020 squad as Karim Benzema called up
Real Madrid striker has not featured for Les Bleus since 2015
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Karim Benzema has been included in France’s 26-man Euro 2020 squad despite facing trial for the alleged blackmail of former teammate Mathieu Balbuena.
The Real Madrid forward, widely considered to be the best French striker of his generation, has not appeared for Les Bleus since November 2015 due to his suspected involvement in a sex tape scandal. After being left out of France’s Euro 2016 squad as a result, Benzema, who is of Algerian descent, accused Deschamps of bowing to racist pressure.
“We met, we spoke at length, I then thought very hard and came to make this decision,” Deschamps said of his decision. “I needed this chat, he needed this chat. I don’t want to make this a specific case. As national team boss, I have always look beyond my personal case. My responsibility is important, but it is bigger than me.”
France are favourites to lift the trophy at Wembley in July after their glorious 2018 World Cup campaign and boast a star-studded squad featuring the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, Ousmane Dembele, Raphael Varane and N’Golo Kante.
“It would be incredible to do the double,” Mbappe said at a press conference. “We will take from the experience of 2018 to be ourselves.”
Squad in full
Goalkeepers: Lloris, Mandanda, Maignan
Defenders: Dubois, Pavard, Zouma, Koundé, Varane, Lenglet, Kimpembe, Digne, L.Hernandez
Midfielders: Kanté, Pogba, Rabiot, Tolisso, Sissoko
Forwards: Benzema, Giroud, Mbappé, Thuram, Coman, Ben Yedder, Griezmann, Lemar, O.Dembélé
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments