Didier Deschamps explains decision to hand N’Golo Kante shock recall to France squad for Euro 2024

Whether the experienced Kante will play a key role under Deschamps at this tournament remains to be seen. Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have shone at Real Madrid this season, while the France boss can also call upon Adrien Rabiot, Youssouf Fofana and Warren Zaire-Emery. But Kante has rediscovered his physical prowess since joining Al-Ittihad from Chelsea last summer, racking up 28 appearances in the Saudi top flight this term, so he represents a viable option for one of the tournament favourites.

Justifying Kante’s selection, Deschamps said, per RMC Sport: “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 added at a press conference: “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.”

Kante still has two more games left to play with Al-Ittihad before the conclusion of the season as they look to catch Al-Taawoun in fourth spot. First they host Damac on May 23, before travelling to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr four days later. Avoiding injury ahead of Euro 2024 will likely be Kante’s number one priority.