World Cup winner N’Golo Kante has been recalled by France after being named as one of 25 players in Didier Deschamps’ squad for Euro 2024.
Midfielder Kante, 33, played an influential role in France’s World Cup win in 2018 but has not represented his country since June 2022 and currently plays for Saudi club Al-Ittihad.
Kante struggled with injury towards the end of his spell at Chelsea, but France boss Deschamps says his experience will aid the squad in Germany.
“He has played a full season, albeit not in a European league, as he is in Saudi Arabia,” said Deschamps on French TV channel TF1.
“He’s back to full fitness. With his experience, I’m convinced that the French team will be stronger with N’Golo Kante.”
Deschamps has also named star forwards Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud in his squad, plus Arsenal defender William Saliba.
France are among the pre-tournament favourites as they look to claim a third European title after previously lifting the trophy in 1984 and 2000.
They begin their campaign against Austria in Stuttgart on 17 June.