Euro 2024: Players that can make or break this European Championship campaign for France

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France has announced their preliminary 25-man squad for the upcoming Euro 2024. Coach Didier Deschamps was heavily criticised for his team selections after their disastrous run in the last European Championship in 2020.

He hasn't failed to include a few surprising names this time either. Even so, the French squad still has a number of players who could become key in their efforts to win the championship.

Kylian Mbappe

Current team captain Kylian Mbappe was the one whose missed penalty saw France knocked out of the Euro 2020 round of 16. However, since then, he's proved himself more than worthy after a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina. There's no doubt he could become the key to France's campaign.

Antoine Griezmann

Surprisingly, Antoine Griezmann was included in the 25-man squad list as a midfielder. Whether he plays in a deeper position or up front in the attack line, the Atletico Madrid man could prove to be a force to reckon with. He is in good form and has scored 24 goals this season for his club throughout all competitions.

Real Madrid duo - Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni

The inclusion of Aurelien Tchouameni to the squad was a surprise considering his number of injuries this season. However, if he becomes fully fit, then the combination of the two Real Madrid stars in the midfield could become a threat to the opponents.

N’Golo Kante

Considering the season Al-Ittihad had, the most surprising name on the 25-man French squad was N’Golo Kante. However, Kante’s contribution to the team was invaluable. He played 44 matches throughout all competitions and started in all except one. His wealth of experience could prove vital in the midfield.

Additionally, young players like Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery from Paris Saint-Germain could make their mark on the tournament. Both have been impressive in their early careers and could bring fresh energy to the team.

France Preliminary squad :-

Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)

Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid), Benjamin Pavard (Inter Milan), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), N'Golo Kante (Al Ittihad), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)

Forwards: Bradley Barcola (PSG), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Randal Kolo Muani (PSG), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)