While reigning World Champions France are one of the favourites to win Euro 2020 this summer, they will have to start by fending off the likes of Germany and Portugal in the group stage. They will will be bolstered by the return of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who was named in the 26-man squad, who will wear the national colours after an absence of nearly six years.

Also read: From Harry Kane to Karim Benzema: Six strikers to watch at Euro 2020

Manager Didier Deschamps will head into the tournament with one of the most versatile squads. From 22-year-old Kylian Mbappe‘s pace to Paul Pogba‘s precision, Les Bleus check all boxes. 

With Benzema back in the squad, Olivier Giroud and Wissam Ben Yedder face stiff competition to partner with Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann in the attack. Ousmane Dembele and Kingsley Coman only add to the depth of the squad. 

Here is France’s full squad:

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Mike Maignan (Lille)

Defenders: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Leo Dubois (Lyon), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich), Lucas Digne (Everton), Clement Lenglet (Barcelona), Kurt Zouma (Chelsea)

Midfielders: N’golo Kante (Chelsea), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Adrien Rabiot (Paris Saint-Germain), Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich), Moussa Sissoko (Tottenham Hotspur)

Attackers: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Chelsea), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain, Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco), Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona), Thomas Lemar (Atletico Madrid), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)

Key players: The combination of Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe at the top promises outrageous speed and plenty of goals. Benzema is likely to take the No 9 position, while Antoine Grizmann and Mbappe attack from the flanks. Benzema comes riding on 29 goals and 8 assists from 45 appearances in the 2020-21 season. The Real Madrid striker has a combined total of 86 goals in the last three seasons. Mbappe too had a brilliant 2020-21 season. The PSG forward scored 40 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions. The 22-year-old had posted a picture of him and Benzema with multiple fire emoticons in the caption, suggesting the firepower France come with. 

France’s options on the right-hand side of attack are scarily good as well, with both Mbappe and Dembele can play in a variety of different positions as well. Mbappe has enjoyed another superb individual season at PSG in 2020-21, enhancing his reputation as one of the best players in Europe by scoring for fun. It will be amazing to see them both together. He is the most talented player in France Euro 2020 squad.