Kante Makes France Bow & Mahrez Shines For Algeria

- Kante was named in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the first time ahead of the summer’s Euro 2016 Championships 

- Riyad Mahrez plays a part in four goals during Algeria’s 7-1 win over Ethiopia in Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying 

- The win maintains their 100 per cent record and puts them one win away from a spot in the final tournament 

The Frenchman’s sensational debut Barclays Premier League season caught the attention of France coach Didier Deschamps, who named the tough-tackling midfielder in his squad for the first time. 

After Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud gave the hosts a healthy 2-0 lead at half-time, Kanté came off the bench to replace Lassana Diarra in the heart of midfield alongside Paul Pogba and skipper Blaise Matuidi. 

PSV Eindhoven’s Luuk de Jong and Stoke City’s Ibrahim Affaley did pull the Dutch back level but Matuidi grabbed a later winner in what was an impressive display by both France and by Kanté, who, with Euro 2016 in mind, will have been hoping to impress. 

It was also a night to remember for Riyad Mahrez and Algeria in their Africa Cup of Nations Group J qualifier against Ethiopia, as the Leicester City man helped to set up four goals en route to a 7-1 win for the Desert Foxes. 

The winger teed up Sofiane Feghouli twice, Islam Slimani and Saphir Taider during the match – the latter a sensational 25-yard volley from Mahrez’s corner. 

It was a win that maintained Algeria’s 100 per cent qualifying record and puts them on the verge of securing a spot for the final tournament ahead of Tuesday's return game in Ethiopia. 

Friday night’s matches came after a number of successful outings for City’s stars on Thursday, including a goal for

Jeffrey Schlupp and Daniel Amartey also helped to put Ghana on the verge of securing a place in the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 victory over Mozambique while on-loan Tom Lawrence started for Wales in their 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland. 

There’s plenty more international action to come for Leicester City’s 16-strong international contingent, including big matches for Danny Drinkwater, Jamie Vardy, Wes Morgan and Christian Fuchs on Saturday. 

Keep an eye on for all the latest on City’s international stars.