Yohan Cabaye defends Karim Benzema

France midfielder Yohan Cabaye has defended his international teammate Karim Benzema against criticism over his form.

The Real Madrid striker has gone 929 minutes without scoring for Les Bleus after failing to find the target in their 3-1 home win against Georgia in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.

"It's quite a thankless task being a striker because when you don't score, when you get chances and don't put them away, the crowd get on your back," ESPN quotes Cabaye as saying.

"But I have no doubt he'll come through it. We're behind him. He needs to know he has our support."

France will host Spain in Group I on Tuesday.