Didier Deschamps: 'We need Paul Pogba at his best'

France boss Didier Deschamps has said that his team need Paul Pogba 'at his best' in Thursday's Euro 2016 semi-final against world champions Germany.

Pogba was dropped for France's second Group A match against Albania at this summer's tournament after struggling to impress in their opener against Romania on June 10.

The Juventus midfielder has been in impressive form since entering at half time of the Albania clash, however, and Deschamps has talked up the importance of the 23-year-old on Thursday night.

"I had not lost him so I have not rediscovered him. It was a bit trickier for him at the start of the tournament but Paul has always stood up, even in the second game when I didn't start him," Deschamps told reporters.

"Paul Pogba needs tranquility around him and it's hard because [the media] talk about him every day. Paul is doing well and, mentally, he knows what he can contribute to the team. He's been playing very well the last two games and we'll need him on Thursday."

Pogba is currently being strongly linked with a return to Manchester United.