France coach, Didier Deschamps has explained why he omitted Manchester United’s Anthony Martial and included Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema in his squad for the upcoming European Championship.
Deschamps said he was unwilling to take a risk on Martial, who has been out of action for two months due to injury and will not be bringing him to the competition.
He also said that he spoke at length with Benzema before making the decision to include the striker in France’s squad for this year’s Euro.
“Anthony Martial would have been here but he isn’t available,” Deschamps explained on Tuesday at a press conference as he revealed his expanded 26-man squad.
“His condition does not allow it.”
Deschamps added, “I think the squad list a year ago would not have been the one I’ve today.”
“We [I and Benzema] met, we spoke at length and I then thought very hard and came to make this decision.
“I needed this chat, he needed this chat. I don’t want to make this a specific case. As national team boss, I’ve to always look beyond my personal case.
“My responsibility is important, but it’s bigger than me.”
France squad in full;
Goalkeepers: Lloris, Mandanda, Maignan
Defenders: Dubois, Pavard, Zouma, Koundé, Varane, Lenglet, Kimpembe, Digne, L.Hernandez
Midfielders: Kanté, Pogba, Rabiot, Tolisso, Sissoko
Forwards: Benzema, Giroud, Mbappé, Thuram, Coman, Ben Yedder, Griezmann, Lemar, O.Dembélé
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Euro 2020: Why I omitted Martial, included Benzema in France squad – Didier Deschamps
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