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Simba SC striker John Bocco was on target as Tanzania needed an improved second-half display to sink Malawi 2-0 in an international friendly at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday.

After a poor show in the first period which was dominated by the visitors, Bocco came through for Taifa Stars after he scored in the 69th minute, and substitute Israel Mwenda made it 2-0 from a beautifully taken free-kick in the 75th minute to earn coach Kim Poulsen his second win since taking over from Burundian Etienne Ndayiragije.

The 62-year-old tactician had already overseen three matches heading into the clash against the Flames, a friendly against Kenya where he lost 2-1 before falling by a solitary goal away to Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and his only win, by a solitary goal as well, came at home over Libya in the aforementioned competition.

Missing the services of captain Mbwana Samatta, who plays for Fenerbahce in Turkey on loan from Aston Villa, and Simon Msuva, who turns out for Wydad Casablanca of Morroco for various reasons, the Danish coach decided to give Simba striker Bocco the armband and also the task to lead the attacking line.

Bocco, who has enjoyed a good run of results with Mainland Premier League champions since returning from injury was partnered alongside Yusuf Mhilu of Kagera Sugar while Simba goalkeeper Aishi Manula was handed a start ahead of veteran Juma Kaseja of Kagera Sugar and Metacha Mnata of Yanga SC.

The Flames, who missed the services of their head coach Meck Mwase after he tested positive for Covid-19 a day before the team departed Lilongwe, also handed a debut to defender Kieran Ngwenya, who turns out for Cove Rangers on loan from Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen, after the Football Association of Malawi completed the required processes for the player to play.

At first, it was difficult for Ngwenya to play for Malawi as he was holding British citizenship but having been cleared, assistant coach Bob Mpinganjira threw him straight into the starting XI with Silver Strikers goalkeeper Brighton Munthali starting between the sticks protected by defenders Stanley Sanudi and Dennis Chembezi.

It was Taifa Stars who started the game on the front foot with Salum Abubakar getting the first chance in the 5th minute but after beating Chembezi to the through ball, he took time to react in front of goal, and keeper Munthali came off his line to clear the danger.

The second chance for Taifa Stars came in the 10th minute when Mudathir Yahya combined well with Feisal Salum and Nickson Kibabage but this was after the latter laid a pass to Bocco, and the towering striker unleashed a weak effort which went inches wide.

Malawi then started to come into the game and in the 20th minute Peter Banda got their first chance to take the lead after being set up by Richard Mbulu but the Moldova-based winger’s shot kissed the bar.

In the 39th minute, Banda whipped in a ball from the left wing which Manula punched for the visitors' first corner of the game but from the resultant corner taken by Gabadinho Mhango, the ball was gathered by Manula, who jumped the highest to calm the danger.

Mbulu was once again set through by Banda in the 42nd minute as the Flames continued to raid the home nation but his effort landed in the hands of Manula.

The two teams went into the break tied at 0-0 but Malawi should feel undone as the wasted two open chances through Mhango and Mbulu.

In the 56th, the Flames got another free-kick from the edge of the box as Chimwemwe Idana was fouled by Shomari Kapombe but the resultant effort from the hardworking Mhango went over the bar.

Kapombe was later replaced by Patrick Mwenda after the foul on Idana as Taifa Stars tried to change their style of play to try and contain the marauding Flames' front two while Mpinganjira made his first substitution by bringing in Yamikani Chester for Khuda Muyaba.

In the 69th minute, Bocco rose the highest to head Tanzania ahead after a cross from Salum, and six minutes later they were 2-0 up after Mwendwa, who came on for Nyoni, scored through a brilliant free-kick which beat the wall and keeper Munthali into the net.

Despite Malawi making a double change in the 82nd minute which saw Gabadinho Mhango and Rafiq Namwera pave way for Tawonga Chimodzi and Vincent Nyangulu, Taifa Stars stayed firm at the back to keep the scoreline intact and protect their good run against the Flames at Mkapa Stadium.

Tanzania Starting XI: Aishi Manula, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Dickson Job, Erasto Nyoni, Mudathir Yahya, Feisal Salum, Nickson Kibabage, John Bocco, Salum Abubakar, and Yusuf Mhilu.

Subs: Juma Kaseja, Metacha Mnata, Israel Mwendwa, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Kennedy Juma, Edward Manyama, Meshack Abraham, Iddi Suleiman, Ayub Lyanga, Mzamiru Yassin, Yohana Mkomola, Abdul Hamisi and Kibu Denisi.

Malawi starting XI: Brighton Munthali, Stanley Sanudi, Dennis Chembezi, Charles Petro, Kieran Ngwenya, Rafiq Namwera, Chimwemwe Idana, Peter Banda, Gabadinho Mhango, Khuda Muyaba and Richard Mbulu.

Jude Bellingham became the youngest ever to play at a European Championship when he came on for England on Sunday.

The 17-year-old came off the bench to replace Harry Kane in his side's first game of the tournament against Croatia.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has also broken Michael Owen's record to become the youngest player to represent England at a major tournament.

What record did Bellingham break?

Bellingham is now the youngest player from any nation to feature at a European Championship.

The previous holder of that record was Jetro Willems, who was 18 when he represented Netherlands at Euro 2012.

How did the game go?

England started Euro 2020 with a 1-0 win against Croatia.

Raheem Sterling made the difference for the Three Lions, taking on a pass from Kalvin Phillips before knocking into the net.

What next for England?

Gareth Southgate's men will take on Scotland in their next game on Friday June 18.

They will then face Czech Republic in their last match of the group stage on June 22.

Further reading

Kylian Mbappe admits he was "affected" by Olivier Giroud's complaints about his France team-mates not passing to him but insists he does not want to turn it into a big issue.

Giroud said after his side beat Bulgaria in a friendly  that he was not receiving the ball despite runs into dangerous areas in the box.

The comments were interpreted as a dig at Mbappe and the Paris Saint-Germain star says he would have preferred if Giroud had spoken to him privately instead of airing his grievances to the press.

What has been said?

"I spoke with Olivier Giroud. Everyone knows what happened," Mbappe said at a press conference. 

"It is true that I was a little affected by it. But we are not going to make a big deal about it because we are here to represent France, that is the most important thing.

"What he said didn't bother me more than that, I'm a striker and I've had this feeling 365 times in a game.

"I congratulated him in the locker room, he didn't say anything to me and then I heard from the press. He didn't say anything bad. It's more the fact of talking about it publicly, I would have preferred to let him come and be even more vocal in the locker room. But that's not a problem, these are small trifles. The team does not need us to get in the way."

What did Deschamps say?

France coach Didier Deschamps says he spoke to the team about the issue and maintains there is no tension. 

"That Olivier Giroud, like any striker, says that he does not receive the balls, it is a non-problem," he said in an interview with Telefoot.

"There was no convocation, I discuss it with the whole of the group. Today, whatever we may say, the slightest word leads to interpretation, which can be diverse and varied.

"The most important thing is what happens internally. And internally, there is no problem."

What next for France?

Les Bleus will begin their Euro 2020 campaign with a game against Germany on Tuesday.

They will then face Hungary on June 19 before their final match of Group F against Portugal four days later.

Further reading

The world came together to support Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen who collapsed during Saturday’s Euro 2020 clash with Finland.

The Inter Milan ace went to ground unchallenged towards the end of the first half, requiring extensive on-pitch treatment before being taken to the hospital.

The Group B opener, which ended 1-0 in favour of Finland, was initially suspended after the incident before being later restarted after a delay of more than 90 minutes.

Many, including current footballers, ex-footballers, and journalists, took to social media to send messages of support to the 29-year-old, who is now said to be in a stable condition, as reported by Uefa and the Denmark FU (Football Union).

Below are the best reactions from Africa:

Nigeria try Portugal for size in the continuation of their United States of America summer series.

In their first game played on Thursday night, the Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Jamaica at the BBVA Stadium, Houston Texas.

Deneisha Blackwood’s second-half effort clipped the wings of the reigning African women’s champions – who paid dearly for missing begging chances.

Nonetheless, Monday’s fixture affords Randy Waldrum’s women a chance to return to winning ways, as well as hand A Seleccao das Quinas their second consecutive defeat.

Despite the absence of Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria are expected to challenge Francisco Neto’s women with their guns blazing.

Regardless of the outcome, this game is a valuable exercise for the Falcons who will take on Ghana in October’s Africa Women Cup of Nations qualification fixture.

TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch

For Nigerian readers, get set on the latest football on TV here! For those across the globe, that is also the place to be.

Also, the game can be watched live on TV through NFF media and it can be streamed online using beIN Sports Connect.

Squads & Team News

Potential Portugal XI: Pereira, Rebelo, Costa, Marchao, Silva, Silva, T. Pinto, Armado, Norton, F. Pinto, Nazareth

Potential Nigeria XI: Oluehi, Ogbonna, Zogg, Chikwelu, Payne, Okeke, Ariyo, Ikechukwu, Demehin, Ordega

Match Preview

Coach Waldrum is expecting the Super Falcons to put up a positive performance when they square off against Portugal.

Despite losing to the Reggae Girlz, the American tactician has assured that his team will continue to progress.

“I think we will grow. If we continue this way. I would expect the team to do much better tomorrow,” the 64-year-old said on the Super Falcons’ Instagram handle.

“The more time we can be together, the better we are going to be. I would expect things to look improved.

“Every time I step on the field, I expect to win. So, that never changes [against Portugal].

“I’m still hopeful that we may get one or two players before the camp is over. But if not, we will move to the rest of the camping exercise with what we have.”

After the Summer series, Portugal will turn their attention to the Uefa qualifiers for the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup. The group stage for Uefa qualifying begins during the September Fifa international window.

Kasper Hjulmand has admitted that Denmark were "wrong" to restart their Euro 2020 match against Finland on the same day after Christian Eriksen's collapse.

Eriksen dropped to the turf and stopped breathing in the first half of the Group B encounter, which originally kicked off at 17:00 on Saturday in Copenhagen.

The 29-year-old eventually regained consciousness after receiving on-field CPR before being sent to hospital, with both sets of players subsequently giving the green light to resume the match at 19:30 pm rather than wait until 12:00 pm on Sunday.

What's been said?

Denmark went on to lose 1-0 courtesy of Joel Pohjanpalo's 59th-minute header for Finland, who were making their first-ever appearance at the European Championship.

Hjulmand put the defeat down to his side being "emotionally exhausted" and has now expressed regret over their collective decision to play on less than two hours after seeing Eriksen fight for his life on the pitch.

"I think it was the wrong decision to make between the two scenarios," the Denmark boss told a press conference. "It was very tough for the players. They didn't even know if they could probably lose their best friend.

"I have the feeling that we shouldn't have played and wrong that the players had to decide. I'm really proud of the way the world reacted to this incident.

"It's often about money, but yesterday we saw what football is all about - compassion and love."

What did Denmark's team doctor say?

Denmark's team doctor Morten Boesen also spoke to the media on Sunday, having been the one who gave Eriksen emergency treatment at Parken Stadium, but was unable to explain what caused the midfielder to black out.

"We don't have an explanation, so I can't answer the question," he said. "I only saw it afterwards, so you guys saw the same as me."

Asked by the BBC how close they came to losing the Inter star, Boesen responded: "How close we were? I don't know. We got him back quite fast. I'm not a cardiologist so I'll leave the analysis to experts."

Hjulmand's conversations with Eriksen

Hjulmand also revealed what Eriksen said to him when they spoke over the phone after he was declared to be in a stable condition in hospital.

He said that the Danish playmaker, who will remain hospitalised for the time being to undergo more tests, had very little recollection of the incident and was more worried about his team-mates and family than his own wellbeing.

"He was concerned about us and the family," Hjulmand said. "He didn't remember much and was more concerned about how the team felt. That shows his big personality.

"He is a hell of a player but also as a person. He feels like he could go out and play and he feels best when his feet are close to the ball. It was good to see him smile."

Further reading

Gareth Southgate says he left Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho out of the England squad to face Croatia in their opening game of Euro 2020 because they need cover for other positions.

The Chelsea left-back and Borussia Dortmund winger were not named among the substitutes for the clash at Wembley on Sunday.

Instead, England lined up with right-back Kieran Trippier on the left side of the defence, while Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling started on the wings.

What has been said? 

Chilwell and Sancho are not missing due to injury and Southgate says he needed different reinforcements available.

"With the two boys that are out of the squad, it's just unfortunate we can only name 23 and we've had to cover certain positions," Southgate told BBC Sport.

"I don't like the fact we're having to leave players out of the squad in a major tournament."

Why is Trippier playing at left-back?

Southgate's decision to put Trippier on the left despite the presence of Chilwell and Luke Shaw has caused some confusion among England fans.

But the coach is confident the Atletico Madrid player can offer the protection his side need on that side.

"With Kieran we feel he's a very experienced player and a good one-on-one defender to stop crosses coming in," he said.

"His communication and leadership will be a help and his experience will help us."

Further reading

Eden Hazard has insisted that he won't leave Real Madrid "as a failure" and says he's determined to show that he's "made for" the Blancos in 2021-22.

Much was expected of Hazard when he arrived at Santiago Bernabeu from Chelsea for a club-record fee of €100 million (£86m/$121m) in June 2019.

Unfortunately, the 30-year-old has been unable to live up to that price tag due to a string of niggling injuries, and he has now opened up on his frustrations while away on international duty with Belgium at the European Championships.

What's been said?

"I'm only myself when I can enjoy myself on the pitch. That hasn't happened in the last two years at Madrid," Hazard told Het Nieuwsblad.

"If you have one or two injuries you can flip the switch, you recover to come back stronger, but if it's five, six, seven it's much more difficult mentally. But I keep going."

Asked if he has ever contemplated leaving Real, the former Chelsea winger responded: "It didn't occur to me for a second that it would be better for me to leave.

"I won't leave there as a failure. I only want to show that I'm made for Real Madrid.

"The last two years have been difficult, I've been at Madrid without really being at Madrid, you know... We've played in a stadium without fans, and I signed to play at a full Bernabeu."

Hazard's record at Real

Hazard has been restricted to just 43 appearances across all competitions during his first two seasons at Real, while missing a total of 60 games through injury.

The Belgium international only has five goals and six assists to his name so far, but did pick up a La Liga winners' medal in 2019-20.

Hazard on laughing after Real's Champions League exit

Hazard went on to address the criticism he received after being seen laughing with Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kurt Kouma after Real were beaten 2-0 by the Blues in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge last term.

The Blancos were ultimately knocked out 3-1 on aggregate and Hazard saw his loyalty to their cause questioned, but he claims the incident was blown out of proportion.

"That was bad, yes," he said when asked to recall the pictures. "What [Edouard] Mendy and [Kurt] Zouma said wasn't even funny... If there was one game I wanted to win, it was against my former club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

"I was surprised when I saw the images. I got some phone calls [from Real Madrid team-mates]. But honestly, it's a nice group of players, that's one of the reasons I want to stay, the atmosphere is impressive."

Further reading

Coach Randy Waldrum has insisted the Nigeria senior women's national team will continue ‘to grow’ despite losing to Jamaica on Thursday.

The reigning African women champions bowed 1-0 to the Reggae Girlz in their opening match of the United States of America Summer Series.

Despite a dominant display in Texas, Deneisha Blackwood’s second-half effort clipped the wings of the reigning African women’s champions – a result that also ended their seven-match unbeaten run.

Even at that, coach Waldrum claimed the team would continue to progress while expecting a positive response against A Seleccao das Quinas.

“I think we will grow. If we continue this way. I would expect the team to do much better tomorrow,” the 64-year-old said on the Super Falcons’ Instagram handle.

“The more time we can be together, the better we are going to be. I would expect things to look improved.

“Every time I step on the field, I expect to win. So, that never changes [against Portugal].

“I’m still hopeful that we may get one or two players before camp is over. But if not, we will move to the rest of the camping exercise with what we have.”

For Francisco Neto’s Portugal, they would be hoping to return to winning ways after losing to hosts United States in their first match.

Assessing the Europeans ahead of the fixture billed for Texas’ BBVA Stadium, the former Trinidad and Tobago handler said that they are a well-organised side.

“I thought Portugal was excellent, they had a great game plan and strategy, worked very well and almost got the result [against the USA]. In the last 10 to 15 minutes, they got broken down,” added.

“They are very disciplined, very organised. So, it would be a difficult game and it’s going to be a different kind of challenge from Jamaica. They are a very good team.”

After Monday’s game, Nigeria will square up against the USA in the final match of the four-nation competition on June 17 at the Q2 Stadium.

With the beginning of the 2022 Awcon qualification campaign on the horizon in October, these games will be a useful exercise in determining who merits further inclusion against Ghana.

Peter Schmeichel has slammed UEFA for the "ridiculous decision" to restart Denmark's Euro 2020 clash with Finland after Christian Eriksen's on-field collapse.

The Group B encounter was suspended with 41 minutes on the clock after Eriksen fell to the ground before receiving emergency treatment from Denmark's medical staff.

The midfielder was taken to hospital after regaining consciousness, and Kasper Hjulmand's side were subsequently given the option to finish the game on Saturday night or at noon the following day.

What's been said?

UEFA eventually announced that the match would recommence at 19:30 "following the request made by players of both teams", with Finland ultimately running out 1-0 winners thanks to a second-half header from Joel Pohjanpalo.

Schmeichel, whose son Kasper played the full match between in goal for Denmark, has now come out to criticise European football's main governing body for failing to protect the players after such a harrowing incident.

"It's a ridiculous decision by UEFA," the former goalkeeper told BBC Radio Five Live. "They should have tried to work out a different scenario and shown a little bit of compassion, and they didn't.

"That would be the worst two hours in my time in football. Something terrible like that happens and UEFA gives the players an option to go out and play the game or come back at 12:00 on Sunday.

"What kind of option is that? The result of the game is completely irrelevant. I mean, how can you play?"

What did Hjulmand's say?

Denmark boss Hjulmand's said that his players quickly made the choice to complete the game after hearing that Eriksen was in stable condition at a hospital in Copenhagen.

"You can't play a game with such feelings, [but] there were no players who could manage to go home, sleep and get up again [after what happened]," Hjulmand said post-match.

What is Eriksen's condition now?

The Danish Football Association (DBU) gave an update on Eriksen's recovery on Sunday morning, revealing that 29-year-old Inter star has been in touch with his team-mates and coaches but will remain in hospital to undergo further tests.

"This morning we have spoken to Christian Eriksen, who has sent his greetings to his team-mates," the statement read. "His condition is stable, and he continues to be hospitalized for further examination.

"The team and staff of the national team has received crisis assistance and will continue to be there for each other after yesterday's incident."

Further reading

Thomas Partey’s first season at Arsenal was definitely a mixed bag, but overall, can the Ghana powerhouse’s maiden campaign in England be considered a success?

This was one of the questions examined in the latest episode of The Hot Seat, where Oluwaseye Omidiora—Goal Africa features writer—was grilled on one of his latest articles.

Omidiora came to the conclusion that Partey’s season had been a cautious success, but is he being generous in reviewing the contribution of a player of whom so much was expected?

Certainly, there was overwhelming optimism when the Gunners parted with £45 million to recruit the Black Star from Atletico Madrid at the campaign’s end.

There were questions about why Arsenal waited until deadline day to activate the player’s fee-release clause and liberate him from his contract at Atleti, with Partey denied precious team to get to know his new teammates before the season started.

Subsequently, there have been issues with his form and fitness, while doubtless, Arsenal’s own muddled campaign under Mikel Arteta will have made it harder for him to settle and begin to express himself.

Would he have had things much easier if he had joined a team who were winning more consistently?

Omidiora also makes an eloquent case on The Hot Seat that the coronavirus pandemic also played a part in Partey’s troubles, with the midfielder unable to settle in London and socialise with his teammates in a way that would have been possible had he joined in another season.

There are merits to the various points of view, but ultimately, Arsenal fans will surely have been left hoping for more after seeing Partey struggle to truly impose himself consistently in the Premier League.

This conclusion was reflected in a recent poll conducted by Goal Africa, as we asked readers to rate the midfielder’s season.

Only 13.1 percent gave him a thumbs up for 2020-21, while 54.7 percent gave him a thumbs middle.

32.3 gave Partey a thumbs down for his first year in North London, which demonstrates that there is still much work to be done.

The 27-year-old ended the season with 24 appearances in the Prem, registering two assists across the campaign.

The Africa Cup of Nations qualification encounter between Sierra Leone and Benin Republic will be played behind closed doors.

The Sierra Leone Football Association made a request through the Confederation of Africa Football to allow 30% of fans for Monday’s crunch showdown.

However,the hosting Guinean Football Federation turned down the request due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Group L fixture, initially billed for Tuesday, March 30, at the National Stadium, Freetown did not take place owing to a Covid-19 controversy.

Nonetheless, the two teams will now square up against one another at the General Lansana Conte Stadium in a game that will determine the last team to secure a place for Cameroon 2022.

A 1-0 win will be enough for Leone Stars to qualify, but should Michel Dussuyer’s Squirrels - who just need a draw to qualify - score, John Keister’s men will need a two-goal winning margin to qualify and end their 26-year Afcon hiatus.

Their last outing was at the 1996 edition staged in South Africa.

Meanwhile, Tunisian Fifa referee Haythem Guirat will take charge of the encounter, while he will be assisted by Faouzi Jridi (assistant), Youssef Jemmi (assistant), and Mehrez Melki (fourth official).

Ghana’s Munkaila Nassam Adam will serve as match commissioner as Guinea’s Mohamed Bangoura replaces Songor Koedoyoma as the Covid-19 officer.

Sierra Leone coach John Keisterhad revealed that there is no "discomfort" within his squad.

"There is no pressure. Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, and there is no discomfort within our squad,” Keister told Caf website.

"This squad is a blend of both young and experienced players; I've rationally selected 11 local and 15 foreign-based players.

“Thankfully, despite the numerous challenges, we succeeded to arrange a camp and let our players train together in Freetown since last Monday.

"What I need now is support from our fans at home and abroad. Already there is a huge willingness among the players and the whole nation wants us to qualify.

“So, I'm on to guide the team to get the best result against Benin and proceed to Cameroon next year."

Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla has pledged to help the club do well this season after his abrupt return from Sweden.

The young striker, who joined K’Ogalo from Western Stima at the start of the season, had travelled to play for Division One side FC Linkoping City, but in a surprising turn of events, he returned to the country citing frustration at being played out of position.

Omalla has said he is now back and will not listen to what people are saying about his aborted move to Sweden and has promised to help the reigning champions win their remaining matches in the FKF Premier League by scoring goals.

What has been said?

“I am back…I have picked my lessons and l will strategise on how well to build my football career,” Omalla said as quoted by the club’s official website.

“People will talk but let them talk…I have read and heard a lot about my return, some of which are just created stories but am calm and focused.

“I will keep working hard and I am keen on helping my team to do well. There are a good number of matches remaining in the season and my target is to score goals and help the team achieve the best.”

Vaz Pinto on Omalla's return

Speaking on the return of the player, Gor Mahia coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto welcomed him with both hands, insisting he is one player who can help the team achieve their targets.

“Benson [Omalla] is one player who can help the team achieve its goals. He is a player who has potential but needs to be inserted in a team that is different from what the player knows,” Vaz Pinto told the same portal.

“So, it needs some time but he can add different characteristics to the players we have for that position.  There comes a time when we don’t have many options in his position but we need to assess how he is at this moment.”

When he left Gor Mahia for Sweden, Omalla had struggled to nail down a starting role in the team following the arrivals of striker Jules Ulimwengu and Tito Okello.

Whether he will manage to break into the squad remains to be seen as K’Ogalo are chasing two trophies currently – the Premier League and domestic cup titles.

Karim Benzema has declared himself 100 per cent fit for France's Euro 2020 campaign after shaking off an injury scare.

Benzema was called up to the France squad for the first time in six years ahead of their latest international tournament, but left head coach Didier Deschamps sweating on his fitness after limping out of their final warm-up game against Bulgaria.

The 33-year-old was replaced by Olivier Giroud in the 41st minute of the 3-0 victory after going down under a challenge from opposition defender Ivan Turitsov, leading to question marks over his participation in France's Group F opener against Germany.

What's been said?

Deschamps played down the severity of the injury post-match, and Benzema has now revealed that he is already back in training ahead of his country's first game at the European Championships on Tuesday.

"I'm very good. I was able to resume training with the group yesterday," the Real Madrid striker told Telefoot. "There was no pain. I didn't think about the fact that I could have had to forfeit the Euros.

"It was a big pain but it was only a blow. It was not necessary to stay more minutes on the ground so as not to force it, so I decided to go out.

"We have a very good medical staff so everything was done very quickly. If I resumed training with the group yesterday, it is because I have no discomfort, no pain.

"I feel good, I worked in the gym so I am 100%."

Benzema's international record

Before Benzema was exiled from the France squad due to his alleged involvement in a sex-tape scandal in 2015, the forward had played in 81 games for his country, having been handed his international debut eight years earlier while on Lyon's books.

Benzema has 27 goals to his name for Les Bleus, but drew a blank on his return as Deschamps' men beat Wales 3-0 in a friendly on June 2 before being withdrawn prematurely against Bulgaria on Tuesday.

Benzema's relationship with Mbappe

Benzema will be sharing the limelight upfront for France with Paris Saint-Germain superstar Mbappe, who helped fire the team to glory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Madrid talisman is enjoying working with the 22-year-old and says he is ready to step up for his country on the biggest stage once again.

"I had seen him on TV and I had already played against him at club level," Benzema said of Mbappe. "For his young age, he is already one of the best. I like playing with him a lot. I have a lot of fun because he's someone who can make a difference at any time.

"He goes fast, he knows how to play one-touch, he knows how to win, he knows how to do everything. It's important for the French team to have a player like him.

"There are always things to improve in football, but the main thing in important games is to be there and make a difference."

Further reading