Karim Benzema handed a shock call up for France after a six-year absence

[Image courtesy Goal.com]

France head coach Didier Deschamps has decided to include Karim Benzema in his 26-man squad for the European championship. European nations have until the 1stof June to submit their full squads including players that will be on standby.

The inclusion of Benzema was a surprise to many French supporters around the world as he had not featured for France since 2015. It had been reported that his absence from the squad was due to a sex tape scandal. Karim Benzema was accused of paying individuals to extort money from fellow French international Mathieu Valbuena. However, the Real Madrid striker insists that the police officer had used dishonest methods to draw him into the situation.

French coach Didier Deschamps often criticised for freezing out Benzema in the past has put speculation of Benzema not featuring in Euros to bed stating “There were important steps. We saw each other. We discussed at length. I had a long reflection to come to this decision. I won't reveal a word of the discussion, that concerns us. I needed it, he needed it”.

What will Benzema bring to the French squad?

Although Benzema was not part of the triumphal squad which won the 2018 world cup, Benzema brings added experience to his national side as he was part of the Euro 2008 squad, Euro 2012 squad, and FIFA 2014 world cup squad. Karim Benzema is aware about the pressure of performing in big matches hence the reason he has been a starter for Real Madrid for the last 10 years. Benzema has turned into a serial winner for his club side Real Madrid with three La Liga titles, Two Copa Del Rey titles, Two Supa Copa De España titles, four UEFA champion league titles, Two UEFA super league titles, and four FIFA world cup titles.

The link-up play between the striker and winger have been missed in the French squad as Olivier Giroud is primarily a goal scorer. Benzema has an eye for goal, and he is better with the ball at his feet than Olivier Giroud is. This season alone Benzema has scored 29 goals in 45 matches across all competitions.