Sagna – Benzema is France’s top striker

France international Bacary Sagna believes compatriot Karim Benzema is Les Bleus‘ best striker.

Benzema will not be part of Didier Deschamps final 23-man squad for Euro 2016 this summer, as he continues to be investigated for his alleged involvement in a blackmail plot against France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

Manchester City defender Sagna, who came up against Benzema during his side’s 0-0 draw with Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Tuesday night, believes Les Bleus will miss the frontman, as he is their best striking option.

Sagna said: “He impressed me, he managed to keep the ball and made a few chances. This is an interesting player and, for me, Karim is the best French striker.”

Benzema has scored 27 goals in 81 international appearances since making his debut for France in 2007, but his place in the starting line-up at Euro 2016 is likely to go to Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann or Andre-Pierre Gignac.

France are the hosts for the tournament and will take on Romania, Albania and Switzerland in Group A, with their first match coming against the Romanians at the Stade de France on June 10.

Les Bleus are available at 1.36 to kick-off the tournament with a victory, while Romania are on offer at 7.00 and the draw is priced at 4.33.