In a surprising move, coach Didier Deschamps has recalled midfielder N'Golo Kante to the French national squad for the Euro 2024 tournament. The 33-year-old, who is currently playing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, last represented France in the summer of 2022. Despite the lack of big names in central midfield and injury to Boubacar Kamara, Les Bleus remain favorites to win the trophy in Germany.

However, Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku and Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise have not made the cut. Nkunku's debut season at Chelsea has been hampered by injuries, and Olise, despite featuring for France at youth level, is overlooked. Chelsea teammates Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto also missed the cut, but Premier League stars Alphonse Areola, William Saliba, and Ibrahima Konate made it into the squad.

Latest addition to the Paris Saint-Germain, winger Bradley Barcola, received his maiden call-up, joining the likes of established stars Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, and Antoine Griezmann. Notably, Deschamps chose a 25-member squad, despite allowance for 26, foregoing the trend of many nations naming preliminary lists.

France will compete in warm-up friendlies against Luxembourg and Canada, ahead of their Euro opener against Austria on June 17. Further group matches are scheduled against the Netherlands and Poland.