France coach Didier Deschamps has recalled Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema for his squad for Euro 2020 according to Marca. It’s the first time Benzema has been selected for the national team since 2015 following the off-field controversy with former teammate Mathieu Valbuena, as his on-field form has absolutely merited selection.
There was a key conversation in these past few days between Deschamps and Benzema to clear the air before his inclusion. The news comes as a surprise in many ways given how Deschamps, just a month-and-a-half ago, had said he’d never forgive the criticism that came his way on the back of Benzema’s infamous interview following his repeated omissions from the French squad, but has changed his tune.
Benzema is accused of taking part in a blackmail of Valbuena, with the trial to take place after the summer. The French Football Federation put a ban on his participation and then lifted it, although Deschamps refused to select him for Euro 2016 or the 2018 World Cup, the latter of which France won. Benzema has blossomed since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Madrid, however, becoming a singular marksman these last two years.
