Zidane Rules Out Benzema and Kanté as France Focus on Younger Players
France coach Zinedine Zidane has ruled out recalling Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, saying he wants to assess younger players as he begins his tenure. Benzema, 38, last played for France in 2022 and stepped away from international football after the World Cup that year. Zidane praised the former Real Madrid forward but said the national team must plan for the future. Zidane’s first squad retains key players including captain Kylian Mbappé, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé and Dayot Upamecano. Five uncapped players have also been called up ahead of France’s UEFA Nations League fixtures.
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