Euro 2024: N’Golo Kante joins national team camp after two year absence
N’Golo Kante has joined France’s camp for Euro 2024. The midfielder recently played his final club of the season with Al-Ittihad against Al-Nassr. Kante, a surprising selection on Les Bleus’ squad, has joined the national team’s camp.
Kante, formerly of Chelsea, is a veteran of France’s team. He has so far made 53 appearances for Les Bleus. Kante was part of the team that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, he last played for Didier Deschamps’ side in June 2022, against Denmark in the Nations League.
Kante was also not a part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad. Once an integral part of the team, Kante is now back in the squad. While he is now 33, Kante’s tenacious presence could prove to be a great asset for France in a grueling tournament like Euros.
Kante has previously played in Euro 2016 and Euro 2020 as well as in World Cup 2018 for France. The midfielder will look to impact yet another big tournament.
Euro 2024 France: Didier Deschamps on decision to include N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante’s inclusion in the France squad is surprising. Didier Deschamps, however, has explained the motive behind his decision. Deschamps claimed that the team is stronger with Kante in it. He said (via GOAL):
“N’Golo Kante was coming out of a 2022/2023 season where he did not play much. He had a full season, certainly not in a European championship but he has regained all his physical abilities. From his experience, I am convinced that the French team will be better with him. He has regained his athletic abilities. We can discuss the specific intensity in Saudi Arabia, but he played more than 4,000 minutes during the season, that’s more than 40 games.”
He further added:
“With N’Golo, no matter the situation, there is never a problem. He’s an angel. Everyone likes him. He has no guarantees. To be honest, the seven midfielders can be the starters that he deserves or that I give him. He has a status and that weighs, but it’s N’Golo, and N’Golo is fine, he’s fine all the time.”
France have players like Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and more in their squad. Kante’s inclusion further makes the team’s talent pool deeper.
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