View from France: There is a lighter atmosphere without Benzema... Deschamps has made the right call

Didier Deschamps has taken the best decision for France by deciding not to include Karim Benzema in his squad.

The national team coach made the call along with the federation, of course. And it was hard to take Benzema because of the sex-tape scandal that has enveloped him and fellow France player Mathieu Valbuena. The polls were against him and it would have been risky to take the Real Madrid striker.

Besides that, the French team played well in March, with a young team. And the atmosphere was light, lighter than it has been with Benzema, who is a player that France loves to hate.

Andre-Pierre Gignac will take his place, or perhaps Hatem Ben Arfa will step in (with Anthony Martial able to play at No 9).

And even without Benzema, I think that France have enough firepower. It reminds me of the national team without Eric Cantona. Benzema may be the best French striker, but France have never been strong with him. Never.