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'Congrats on the final' – Benzema has France change of heart

Absent striker Karim Benzema has gone back on his criticism of France, congratulating his country on reaching the final of Euro 2016.

The Real Madrid star was not considered for selection after being charged over his involvement in an alleged attempt to blackmail international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

Despite being without the Real Madrid star, Didier Deschamps' side have progressed to the decider of the European Championship on home soil, beating world champions Germany in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Before kick-off at Stade Velodrome, Benzema published an Instagram post expressing his support for the national team despite blasting Deschamps for the decision to exclude him before the tournament.