Deschamps shuffles pack, drops Pogba, Griezmann

Marseille (AFP) – Didier Deschamps opted to shuffle his cards for France’s Euro 2016 Group A tie against Albania in Marseille on Wednesday.

Juventus star Paul Pogba and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann have been dropped, although both are expected to feature for France later in the tournament.

In comes Bayern Munich sensation Kingsley Coman, who turned 20 last Monday, and Manchester United’s 20-year-old Anthony Martial. 

Underdogs and tournament debutants Albania are without their captain, ex-Marseille player Lorik Cana, who misses the game through suspension after receiving a red card against Switzerland in their opener. 

Arlind Ajeti replaces Cana at the back while experienced defender Ansi Agolli has been given the captain’s armband by Albanian coach Gianni De Biasi.

France (4-2-3-1)

Hugo Lloris (captain); Bacary Sagna, Adil Rami, Laurent Koscielny, Patrice Evra; N’Golo Kante, Blaise Matuidi; Kingsley Coman Dimitri Payet, Anthony Martial; Olivier Giroud 

Albania (4-5-1)

Etrit Berisha; Elseid Hysaj, Arlind Ajeti, Mergim Mavraj, Ansi Agolli (captain); Andi Lila, Amir Abrashi, Burim Kukeli, Ledian Memushaj, Ermir Lenjani; Armando Sadiku