France boss Deschamps tipped to make shock Benzema decision

France boss Didier Deschamps is reportedly expected to make a shock u-turn on Karim Benzema’s international exile.

Karim Benzema is reportedly set to make a surprise return to the French national team for this summer’s European Championship.

The Real Madrid striker hasn’t played for France since that infamous blackmail scandal involving Les Bleus teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape in 2015 that resulted in his arrest.

While the police eventually dropped charges against Benzema, Didier Deschamps has refused to recall him ever since – even for France’s Euro 2016 campaign or the World Cup triumph in Russia in 2018.

According to L’Equipe, that could all be about to change though.

🔵 INFO LE PARISIEN | Karim Benzema devrait bien être dans la liste des 26 de Didier Deschamps pour l'Euro 2021
➡️ https://t.co/bUriK3NN61 pic.twitter.com/fQ5I61iqia

— Le Parisien (@le_Parisien) May 18, 2021

The French outlet has claimed Deschamps is reconsidering his stance on Benzema. In fact, Le Parisien, another French publication, claims it’s likely the France boss may include the 33-year-old in his 26-man squad for the European Championship.

There have been calls for Deschamps to recall Benzema given the striker’s brilliant form at Real Madrid over the last few years.

France, meanwhile, could do with the extra firepower for their ‘Group of Death’. The world champions will face Hungary, Euro 2016 winners Portugal, and Germany in Group F.

Benzema previously managed 27 goals and 18 assists in 81 appearances for France before his exile in 2015.

It’s now confirmed by different sources: Karim Benzema WILL be in France’s squad for the Euros this summer. More than five years after his last cap, Deschamps will call him back. Wow!!!!!

— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) May 18, 2021