Kylian Mbappe snubs Paul Pogba when naming the two 'great champions' France will miss most at Euro 2024

Kylian Mbappe has snubbed Paul Pogba when discussing the great players France will be without at Euro 2024.

France will head into this summer's European Championship as one of the favourites to win the whole thing.

Though the 2018 World champions suffered a shock last-16 exit at the hands of Switzerland at Euro 2020, Les Bleus were back to their best at the 2022 World Cup where they reached the final but lost to Argentina on penalties.

France made light work of Euros qualification by winning seven of their eight games, scoring 29 goals and conceding just three.

Didier Deschamps' side were handed a relatively tough group stage draw, with the Netherlands, Austria and the winner of playoff path A - one of Poland, Wales, Finland and Estonia - joining them in Group D.

France's strength in depth is even more incredible when you consider how many of their key players have retired in recent times. Several members of the 2018 World Cup winning side are no longer available, but they have been replaced with players just as good.

In a recent interview with GQ, France captain Kylian Mbappe spoke about the key players he and his teammates will have to cope without in Germant. There was one name he didn't mention though: Paul Pogba.

"We are one of the most anticipated teams in this tournament and we are prepared and confident. We qualified very well and now our goal is to win,” Mbappe said.

Mbappe snubbed former teammate Pogba.

"This year we have lost great champions, very important players like Hugo [Lloris] and Raphael [Varane], but in the end the group has not been affected. That shows true cohesion and ability to adapt."

Pogba was a key member of France's World Cup winning side, scoring his side's key third goal in a 4-2 defeat of Croatia.

The former Manchester United midfielder missed the 2022 World Cup after undergoing knee surgery, but he may never play for France again.

Late last year Pogba failed a drug test after DHEA was found in his system - a supplement which can raise levels of testosterone.

Anti-doping prosecutors in Italy have requested a maximum four-year ban. The 30-year-old is awaiting a tribunal, so it's unclear when or if he will return to the pitch.

Being forgotten by football fans is one thing, but being overlooked by his former teammate is another entirely.

Topics: Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe, France, Euro 2024, Football World Cup

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton