France coach Didier Deschamps has remained upbeat despite seeing his team stumble to a 1-1 draw with Albania.

Les Bleus were held in Rennes on Friday night as Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to equalise 17 minutes from time in the friendly clash.

The French were expected to pick up the win before the match, but Deschamps insists that Albania should no longer be considered a "small nation".

"We had quite a few chances," he is quoted as saying by Maxifoot. "It was more in the second half, probably because they were tired, but we managed good combinations forward. It should not be forgotten - even if it is only Albania - they won in Portugal. It is no longer a small nation."

France continue their preparations for hosting Euro 2016 on Tuesday when they entertain Sweden in another friendly.

Written by
Jack Prescott