Euro2012: France announce final 23 players squad

France coach Laurent Blanc has named his final squad of 23 players ahead of the 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine. France plays England, co-hosts Ukraine and Sweden in Group D of the tournament that runs from June 8 to July 1.

France coach Laurent Blanc named his final 23 player squad leaving out defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (Montpellier HSC) and midfielder Yoann Gourcuff (Olympique Lyonnais), while earlier striker Loic Rémy (Olympique Marseille) had injured himself which ruled him out of the tournament.

A talented France is seen as a potential darkhorse in the race to the Euro2012 title though many have not forgotten their terrible on and off field performance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.


FRANCE

Goalkeepers
Cedric Carrasso (Girondins Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyonnais), Steve Mandanda (Olympique Marseille)

Defenders
Gael Clichy (Manchester City), Mathieu Debuchy (OSC Lille), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (FC Arsenal), Philippe Mexès (AC Milan), Adil Rami (FC Valencia), Anthony Reveillere (Olympique Lyonnais)

Midfielders
Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United), Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United), Alou Diarra (Olympique Marseille), Florent Malouda (FC Chelsea), Samir Nasri (Manchester City), Marvin Martin (FC Sochaux), Blaise Matuidi (FC Paris Saint-Germain), Jeremy Menez (FC Paris Saint-Germain), Yann M'vila (Stade Rennes), Franck Ribery (FC Bayern Munich), Mathieu Valbuena (Olympique Marseille)

Forwards
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Montpellier HSC)