Papin praises French spirit

Former France international Jean-Pierre Papin says he has been impressed by the mental strength shown by Les Bleus at Euro 2016.

Didier Deschamps’ men were tipped to win the tournament from the outset but have yet to truly click and have instead had to rely on their battling qualities and a series of magical moments from the likes of Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann.

However, having won three and drawn one of their four games so far, the French are into the quarter-finals and meet Iceland on Sunday.

Their opponents caused a major shock by eliminating England in the last 16 and will not be overawed by taking on the hosts at the Stade de France. Iceland are known for their collective spirit and organisation and are sure to be even more stubborn than France’s previous opponents.

Papin, who netted 30 goals in his 52 caps, says he has been impressed by the togetherness and determined attitude of the French squad so far in the tournament.

The 52-year-old insists they cannot lose focus, though, and has warned Deschamps’ men to expect a hugely physical test against the Icelanders in Saint-Denis.

“We have not had an easy match from the start,” he told the UEFA website. “However, I must praise the strength of character and impeccable state of mind. “To eliminate the Icelanders, before thinking of playing you have to think about fighting. Because they impose a tremendously physical challenge.”

France are currently 1.44 to claim victory on Sunday, with the draw 4.33 and Iceland priced at 9.00. Les Bleus are also the 3.75 favourites to win Euro 2016 outright, with Germany their nearest rivals at 4.00.