Manager Didier Deschamps has named a formidable 25-man French squad for the European Championship. Kylian Mbappé will captain Les Bleus at Euro 2024, and the final roster is stacked with world-class talent.
However, a few key players are not on the team, including Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku. We have broken down France’s squad below and discussed how Les Bleus could line up at the tournament and their odds at Euro 2024 sportsbooks.
Breaking down France’s 25-man roster for the Euros
There were no major surprises when Deschamps announced his final squad for the Euros. He has selected a strong blend of youth and experience, so France’s Euro odds place it among the favorites to lift the trophy.
- Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)
- Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
- Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris St-Germain), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco)
- Forwards: Kylian Mbappé (Paris St-Germain), Bradley Barcola (Paris St-Germain), Ousmane Dembélé (Paris St-Germain), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), Randal Kolo Muani (Paris St-Germain), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan)
Perhaps the only curveball was the inclusion of N’Golo Kanté. He was the world’s best holding midfielder a few years ago, and he powered France to World Cup glory in 2018, but he is now 33 years old and well past his peak. However, Deschamps said that “with his experience, I’m convinced that the French team will be stronger.”
Only one uncapped player made the squad: PSG forward Bradley Barcola, who has impressed for the Ligue 1 champion this season. Fellow PSG youngster Warren Zaïre-Emery is also in the mix.
Many veterans of the 2018 World Cup-winning team are also on board, including Benjamin Pavard, Kanté, Antoine Griezmann, Mbappé, and Ousmane Dembélé. The odds on France winning the tourney were largely unchanged after the announcement, with the team’s Euro odds now hovering around . That makes Les Bleus the second favorites to lift the trophy, behind only England in the betting.
Key players left out
Nkunku will miss the tournament, but he has had injury troubles this season. Aston Villa’s Moussa Diaby also did not make it, along with Matteo Guendouzi, Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, and Jean-Clair Tobido.
A couple of players will also miss out due to injury. Lucas Hernandez of PSG has ruptured his ACL, which is a major blow for France. Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana will also be absent.
Projecting France’s starting 11 for Euro 2024
Mike Maignan will start in goal at this tournament. Deschamps favors a 4-3-3 formation, with a traditional back four. Jules Koundé is likely to start at right-back, while Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy could deputize for Hernandez at left-back.
France boasts an embarrassment of riches in central defense. Ibrahima Konaté and William Saliba could form a powerful partnership, although Dayot Upamecano offers another strong option. Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni will provide steel in midfield, while Zaïre-Emery could supply the flair. Adrien Rabiot is also likely to start, although Eduardo Camavinga offers a compelling alternative.
Mbappé, Griezmann, and Dembélé will likely start in attack. However, Deschamps may decide to drop Griezmann into midfield, and he could then bring Randal Kolo Muani or Giroud into the attacking trio. Marcus Thuram has been excellent for Inter Milan this season, too, so he is another interesting option.
