France's performances must improve, says Giroud

The Montpellier striker was pleased that the team have reached the quarter-finals, but he is certain there is a lot more to come from Laurent Blanc's side with Spain up next

France striker Olivier Giroud has claimed the squad know they must improve on their group stage performances if they are to get past the quarter-finals.

Les Bleus managed to narrowly qualify from Group D following a draw against England, a 2-0 win over Ukraine and a defeat of the same scoreline in Tuesday night’s meeting with Sweden.

The performances have drawn criticism, with the defeat to Sweden likely to attract the most as it ended France’s 23-match unbeaten run, and Giroud has acknowledged that there is plenty scope for improvement with Spain up next on Saturday.

Speaking to M6, the Montpellier striker said: “We have drawn conclusions and the main thing is that we qualified, but we cannot be completely satisfied.

“[Laurent] Blanc said that there were many shortcomings in all areas, and there is no question about that.

“There is a lot of quality in this team and it would be a pity to spoil everything.

“We will be back on our game. Tonight, we just fell to a team better than us. You could ask who was playing to reach the quarter-final, them or us?”

Meanwhile, on an individual note, Giroud was pleased to play some part and also had a chance to score on his first touch after coming on, before insisting that he has no quarrel with playing backup to Karim Benzema.

He continued: “I'm glad to have played. In addition, it provided me with an opportunity to score with my first chance.

“It is sure that we always hope for more. It is a shame to have lost.

“Karim [Benzema] is the number one. He is a world class striker. It is not as if he was not effective. We must continue to have confidence in this team. When called upon, I will give the maximum.”