Evra: With Benzema, France can win Euro 2016

Patrice Evra believes that if France are to win Euro 2016, they will need Karim Benzema to be at his peak.

The Real Madrid striker scored in both matches as Les Bleus defeated Armenia and Denmark in back-to-back internationals this week, having come in for criticism previously due to his comparatively poor scoring rate for the national team.

Far from being a hindrance, Evra believes the ex-Lyon attacker has the potential to lead France to European Championship glory next summer.

“For me, Karim’s a great striker,” he told RMC. “I’m not the coach, but I think in Didier Deschamps' eyes he’s the No.1. 

“He must assume his status. He was whistled in Nice against Armenia but scored two goals in the end. He has to ignore the critics – he can’t make everyone happy. 

“I’ve told him to keep working. He knows that we will do all we can to make him shine.”