In-form forwards please Deschamps

France coach Didier Deschamps has highlighted the importance of strikers Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema returning to form.

Former Montpellier man Giroud has endured a tough start to life with Arsenal, but grabbed his first goal of the season in the 3-1 English Premier League win at West Ham United on Saturday.

Benzema, meanwhile, opened his account for Real Madrid this season in a 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano and Deschamps feels it is vital his strikers are scoring goals.

“For their confidence is important that they have found their effectiveness,” Deschamps told reporters.

“There are times where the attackers do not score, it is only short term. When it happens in seven or eight games they are criticised, but they still score regularly.”

France entertain Japan in a friendly at the Stade de France on Friday before a clash against world and European champions Spain at Vicente Calderon next Tuesday in their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.