Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema made a return to the international stage on Wednesday night after a six-year absence. He was named in the starting XI for the international friendly clash with Wales as the two teams prepare for the Euro 2020 tournament which starts in the next one week.

Karim Benzema was part of a fearsome three-man attack for France alongside Barcelona attacker Antoine Griezmann and Paris Saint Germain (PSG) star KylianMbappe for the Wales game.

Several media reports had stated that Karim Benzema would be part of the France squad for Euro 2020 tournament later this month and they were proved right after France national team manager Didier Deschamps named him as one of his 26 players for the tournament. Karim Benzema had earlier been left out of both the Euro 2016 and 2018 FIFA World Cup tournaments on the back of a publicised blackmail scandal involving him and former France teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

Benzema missed out on the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia as France won a second title by beating Croatia 4-2 in the final to make up for the disappointment of losing the final ofthe Euro 2016 tournament to Portugal. Striker Eder scored in extra time to hand Portugal the Euro 2016 tournament via a 1-0 win.

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema could have scored on his return to the international stage after he had his penalty saved by Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward after Liverpool defender Neco Williams was sent off for the Welsh team due to deliberate handball. Benzema also hit the post before second half substitute scored the rebound to round off a 3-0 win for France over 10-man Wales after Mbappe and Griezmann had scored either side of the break.

Benzema has scored 27 goals in 82 games for the French team including his latest appearance against Wales.