France coach Didier Deschamps stands by his decision to keep Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema out of his squad.

Benzema has demanded Deschamps "look me in the eye" and explain why he continues to be overlooked.

But the Les Bleus coach stated: "I will make only one answer: The French team was built before the Euros, it was consolidated through the competition where it reached the final. It was a competitor, it continued to be in the qualifying phase. I have a group in which there is a balance, a harmony, a dynamic that has been created in this team of France.

"I trusted players who answered well, I also incorporated young players because I consider that they have great potential. They represent the present and the future. I will also remind you that I am the sole decision-maker, and I make decisions in a sporting context. I make choices of players to constitute a group, and I considered that it was above all.

"I choose this for the good of the French team. Every time I analyze, I think, I discuss with my technical staff and I choose. I assume these choices. I have always acted like this, and I will not change."