Govou backs Benzema, Giroud pairing

Former France winger Sidney Govou believes Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud can form a good partnership for the national side.

Coach Didier Deschamps looks set to tinker with his squad for Friday’s match against Georgia, having hinted he could start with both strikers in a 4-4-2 formation.

And Govou, who represented France at four major tournaments and now plays for Evian TG, believes the system could work once the pair get used to one another.

“The pairing of Giroud and Benzema? It is the opinion of the coach. We need to see if they can play together ahead of the next few years,” he told RMC.

“Giroud is less mobile than Karim, who has the capacity to turn and get in behind the defence.

“I’ve played 4-4-2. When there are two strikers the wingers must be real players and not just attackers. They cannot be lazy or they could get caught out of position.”

Benzema has been criticised of late for refusing to sing the national anthem ahead of France matches, but Govou does not believe it is something that affects his performances on the field.

“This is a conversation that has no place. He has his reasons not to sing,” he said.

“Some people are shocked but because he does not sing La Marseillaise (does not mean) he will not give 100 percent on the field and he does not desire to represent his country.”