Benzema congratulates France on reaching EURO final

The Real Madrid star was not considered for selection after being charged over his involvement in an alleged attempt to blackmail international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

Karim Benzema playing for France with Antoine Griezmann.

Absent striker Karim Benzema has congratulated France on reaching the final of Euro 2016.

The Real Madrid star was not considered for selection after being charged over his involvement in an alleged attempt to blackmail international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena. Despite being without the 28-year-old centre-forward, Didier Deschamps' side has progressed to the decider of the European Championship on home soil, beating world champion Germany in the semi-finals in Marseille on Thursday.

Before kick-off at Stade Velodrome, Benzema published an Instagram post expressing his support for the national team. "Not physically present but the heart is ... [wishing you a] good match," he said.

And after two goals from Antoine Griezmann dispatched Joachim Low's team, Benzema used Twitter to demonstrate his goodwill. "Congratulations to the team and staff !!! Come on, one match [to go]," he wrote.

France will face Benzema's Madrid team-mates Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo when it takes on Portugal in the final at Stade de France on Sunday.

Bravo à toute l'équipe et au staff !!! Allez, encore un match !!! >#FirstNeverFollows>#AllezLesBleus

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) >July 7, 2016