Olivier Giroud retains starting spot as France welcome Scotland

Olivier Giroud has retained his place up front for France for this evening’s international friendly meeting with Scotland in Metz.

The Arsenal forward is given the nod up top once again by manager Didier Deschamps, as Les Bleus run out for the final time ahead of next Friday’s opening Euro 2016 meeting with Romania at the Stade de France.

Despite Antoine Griezmann being available following his Champions League exerts with Atletico Madrid last weekend, and Anthony Martial also shaking off a knock to take a place in the squad, Giroud is the focal point in attack.

It is close to what is expected to be Deschamps’ starting lineup for the Euros, showing just one change from last time out with the inclusion of N’Golo Kante in midfield, with Kingsley Coman arguably most at risk of losing his place to the returning Griezmann.

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan has made five changes from last week’s defeat to Italy, meanwhile, bringing Andrew Robertson, Gordon Greer, Robert Snodgrass, Shaun Maloney and Steven Fletcher - who spent the second half of last season on loan in France with Marseille - back into the starting fold.

France: Lloris, Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra, Pogba, Kante, Matuidi, Coman, Payet, Giroud
Subs: Mandala, Costil, Jallet, Digne, Mangala, Umtiti, Cabaye, Schneiderlin, Sissoko, Gignac, Griezmann, Martial

Scotland: Marshall, Martin, Greer, Hanley, Robertson, D.Fletcher, McArthur, Snodgrass, Maloney, Ritchie, S.Fletcher
Subs: Fox, Hamilton, Mulgrew, Kingsley, Paterson, Bryson, Anya, Phillips, Burke, McGinn, McKay, Naismith, McCormack