Payet starts for France

Dimitri Payet starts for France against Romania at 8pm tonight live on ITV in the UK. The West Ham star won the battle between Anthony Martial and himself as to who plays on the left wing.

Yesterday, Frank Leboeuf backed Dimitri Payet to emulate Michel Platini by firing France to Euro glory on home soil.

Legendary Les Bleus playmaker Platini led the hosts to victory with a record nine-goal haul when the finals last took place across the Channel in 1984. And their 1998 World Cup winner Leboeuf, 48, believes West Ham ace Payet can inspire Didier Deschamps’ men this time.

Leboeuf — now an ESPN analyst — said: “I am really proud of Dimitri. When he wasn’t in the squad, every time I was asked to speak about him I said he had to be in the squad. So I am so pleased he has become one of the leaders in the team. He not only has the potential, but the intelligence and knowledge of football to bring class to the team.

“Not since Platini has France had such a fantastic free-kick taker.

“When he is in a good mood the team is better. I am very fond of him and hope he will be the key man.”