Didier Deschamps has labelled Paul Pogba "indispensable" for France, but admits that the Manchester United midfielder needs to up his game.
Pogba came in for some criticism during Les Bleus' 3-1 win against Italy on Friday night and was booed when he made his way off the field as a second-half sub.
Deschamps has already leapt to the 25-year-old's defence once, and he has now insisted that the former Juventus ace is a key part of his plans for this month's World Cup finals in Russia.
"Not everything was successful [against Italy], but he helped the team be well organised," he told Telefoot. "I don't question Paul's potential. If I called him up, it's because he's indispensable for me.
"I know what he is capable of. He has to raise his level of play. I have confidence in him, as I do in my other players."
Pogba struggled for form at club level in 2017-18, although he did end the Premier League campaign with six goals and 10 assists.
Daniel Lewis
