© Zuma Press
French national team coach Didier Deschamps has announced the squad of 26 players with whom they will compete in the upcoming European Football Championship this summer. One of the biggest surprises was Karim Benzema's return to the national team. The Real Madrid striker was last called up to the team in 2015. However, despite K. Benzema's return, Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud also kept his place in the team. "There must always be competition in the team. You talk about Giroud and Benzema, but they have been in the national team together for a long time. I think this decision is beneficial for our team overall. We will be a better team with Karim, but that doesn't mean there is no place for Olivier," Deschamps commented on the situation. The full squad includes: Goalkeepers: H. Lloris, S. Mandanda, M. Maignan. Defenders: L. Dubois, B. Pavard, K. Zouma, J. Kounde, R. Varane, C. Lenglet, P. Kimpembe, L. Digne, L. Hernandez. Midfielders: N. Kante, P. Pogba, A. Rabiot, C. Tolisso, M. Sissoko. Forwards: K. Benzema, O. Giroud, K. Mbappe, M. Thuram, K. Coman, W. Ben Yedder, A. Griezmann, T. Lemar, O. Dembele.
