N’GOLO KANTE was given a hero’s welcome by his France team-mates after his masterclass against Austria.
The Chelsea legend was the standout in the 2018 World Cup champion’s group stage opener in Germany.
And even his team-mates were gobsmacked with the performance as they cheered Kante’s arrival into the dressing room.
But the famously shy and humble Al-Ittihad star did not say a word and instead cut a gleeful look as he took his seat with fans in awe.
One said: “Is there a more likeable player than Kante?”
Another added: “Love him man.”
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Kante partnered with Adrien Rabiot in the 1-0 victory and rolled back the clock to cover every blade of grass on the pitch.
The former Blue left London last summer for Saudi Arabia after a period of the sidelines for Chelsea.
But this season he has got back to full fitness with over 40 appearances – just in time for France manager Didier Deschamps.
Deschamps said after victory over Austria: “I brought him for that. Once I was sure that he had rediscovered his athletic means.
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France Euro 2024 guide
FRANCE are the one nation all England fans are truly afraid of.
They are many punters’ favourites after knocking the Three Lions out of the 2022 World Cup and will be hoping to do much better than at Euro 2020, when they lost to Switzerland in the last 16.
MANAGER: Didier Deschamps
Coming up to 12 years in the job, the only thing missing from his CV is a European Championship.
STAR MAN: Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe’s PSG may have underachieved on the European stage but he remains France’s most deadly threat, with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup final hat-trick to his name.
How France attack
Expect to see France play in a fluid 4-3-3 – which becomes 4-2-3-1 in possession – throughout the tournament.
Giroud acts as the focal point in the attack with the two wide players and Griezmann as No 10 supporting.
How France defend
We can expect to see France defend high with an emphasis on winning back possession as far up the pitch as possible.
France will stagger their defensive shape when the opposition are in possession.
Read the full France Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.
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“He has tactical intelligence, the ability to win the ball back and then go forward. He shone. He was well partnered by Adrien Rabiot.”
Despite Kante’s rise in form, France are sweating on Kylian Mbappe following his horror nose injury.
Mbappe – recently signed by Real Madrid – faces missing the group stage matches.
But there is hope he will be able to return in time for the knockout stages wearing a protective mask.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
