N'golo Kante's return to the French squad for the Euro 2024 has injected excitement among his teammates, who have been impressed by the impact of the versatile defensive midfielder after his absence from international football for two years. Persistent hamstring injuries, surgery, and a stint in Saudi Arabia kept Kante away from the French team before coach Didier Deschamps surprisingly recalled him for the tournament in Germany.
Having played in warm-up friendlies against Luxembourg and Canada, Kante's presence in training has left his teammates thoroughly impressed. Marcus Thurman humorously remarked, "I had the impression that there were three of him," highlighting Kante's omnipresence on the field and the positive influence he brings to the team.
Teammates Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard echoed similar sentiments, praising Kante's unchanged brilliance and work ethic. Giroud noted that Kante remains the same exceptional player, while Pavard described him as "incredible" and emphasized his impactful presence both on and off the field.
With 55 caps, the 33-year-old Kante is likely to feature in France's starting lineup for their opening Group D match against Austria. Coach Deschamps expressed delight with Kante's performance in the friendlies, suggesting that doubts about his abilities and intensity have been dispelled, possibly indicating a masterstroke in recalling him to the squad.
Kante, known for his humility, expressed his joy at returning to the national team, highlighting his eagerness to contribute to the Euro 2024 campaign. Despite doubts about his readiness after playing in Saudi Arabia, Kante affirmed his preparedness and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent France again on the international stage.
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