Certain players already on plane – Deschamps

Didier Deschamps has revealed part of France’s Euro 2016 squad has already been decided but there is still room for one or two surprise selections.

Les Bleus have the added pressure of hosting the major tournament this year as they go in search of a third European Championship, having triumphed in 1984 and 2000.

France were knocked out at the quarter-final stage in 2012 under the guidance of former boss Laurent Blanc, but a stronger run on home soil is expected this time round.

Deschamps has a large roster of players to choose from with the likes of Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba both in fine form this season.

The duo are expected to make the cut for the final squad, while Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny are also likely to be guaranteed picks.

However, there are certain areas of the team where places are still up for grabs and West Ham’s Dimitri Payet is one player still thought to be on the cusp of selection for the summer.

The attacking midfielder was recently called up by Deschamps for the upcoming friendlies and he will be hoping to make a big impression.

An ongoing investigation involving Karim Benzema may yet see the Real Madrid star miss the major competition and this would open up a spot up front.

Manchester United’s Anthony Martial is one who could fill the position after becoming an integral member for the Red Devils this season.

Whatever happens, Deschamps will have some hard choices to make but it seems some decisions have already been made.

“I have some convictions. I know where I want to go and who I want to go with. But there are things you don’t expect, as you saw at the last World Cup,” he said.

France, who are joint-favourites alongside Germany at 4.20 win the Euros, are priced at 1.36 to top their group that includes Switzerland, Romania and Albania.