Benzema calm after interview storm

Everyone is talking about Karim Benzema in Spain and in his native France, but the striker is keeping his cool, as his latest Instagram picture shows.

The 28-year-old shocked his country following an interview with Marca when he stated that he had not been selected because of racism in France.

These declarations don't come at the right time for Didier Deschamps as the French manager seeks tranquility and stability for his squad, especially as the long-running sex tape controversy with Mathieu Valbuena continues, and which divided politicians and the country as a whole.

Benzema's replacement Olivier Giroud was booed on Monday night against Cameroon following the non-selection of the Madrid striker, and Deschamps will be hoping these stories will not disturb his squad only 10 days away from their first game against Romania in a competition where they remain strong favourites.