Didier Deschamps on N’Golo Kanté: ‘He’s at his best level.’ | OneFootball

Injuries to Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot provided the conditions for N’Golo Kanté (34) to make a return to the France national team. 

Les Bleus face Ukraine and Azerbaijan during the upcoming international break, looking to seal their place in next summer’s FIFA World Cup. Kanté, given the injuries, could play an important role in taking them there. The former Chelsea and Leicester City man was a surprise inclusion in France’s Euro 2024 squad. The midfielder hadn’t been selected for two years, at the time of his recall, due to injury and following a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, which, it was thought, had brought an end to his international career. 

Following the Euros, Kanté faded into the background once more, until this latest recall, confirmed on Thursday. Didier Deschamps has now justified the selection of the experienced midfielder. “He is at his best level,” insisted the France manager. 

He continued, “He is playing matches every three to four days, with the Asian Champions League. He is always available for selection. The proof is that he is here. Of course, he has a status [in the team] and experience. When he is called up, he is here to have an important role. He is always in mind. With the technical staff, we follow him regularly. He always loves to wear the shirt.”

This upcoming international break is not only a chance for France to qualify for the World Cup, it is also a chance for Kanté to stake a claim for inclusion in next summer’s squad. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle