Olivier Giroud is now a dead cert for France’s Euro 2016 squad after it was confirmed that Karim Benzema won’t be heading to the competition this summer.

The Arsenal center-foward’s stock went up yesterday as a result and he looks like a certainty to be in final 23 player squad, set to be named by Didier Deschamps when the season ends.

The FFF released a statement yesterday saying the Federation president Noel Le Graet and the France manager have decided that Karim Benzema is not eligible for the tournament.

It is shame for France because Benzema has been in scintilatting form for his club Real Madrid and will be definitely missed on the pitch as he is a technical leader for the side. Unfortunately for him, his off-pitch involvement in the Valbuena blackmail case is still unclear and the judiciary system will deliver its verdict at a later date.

So, it is definitely an excellent news for Olivier Giroud as his biggest competitor is not available. Therefore, Andre-Pierre Gignac and Antoine Griezmann are now looking to get a place in the squad alongside Giroud up front. Griezmann, of course, can also play on the wings or in the number 10 position.

Giroud’s tactical profile makes in a important squad player for Didier Deschamps, who has called hip up on regular basis regardless of his up and down in form with the Arsenal. He might not end up being first choice during the Euros but Olivier Giroud is certainly on his way to France.