Didier Deschamps: 'Paul Pogba has to raise his game for France'

Didier Deschamps has labelled Paul Pogba "indispensable" for France, but admits that the Manchester United midfielder needs to up his game.

Pogba came in for some criticism during Les Bleus' 3-1 win against Italy on Friday night and was booed when he made his way off the field as a second-half sub.

Deschamps has already leapt to the 25-year-old's defence once, and he has now insisted that the former Juventus ace is a key part of his plans for this month's World Cup finals in Russia.

"Not everything was successful [against Italy], but he helped the team be well organised," he told Telefoot. "I don't question Paul's potential. If I called him up, it's because he's indispensable for me.

"I know what he is capable of. He has to raise his level of play. I have confidence in him, as I do in my other players."

Pogba struggled for form at club level in 2017-18, although he did end the Premier League campaign with six goals and 10 assists.