Pogba 'brought the game to life', says France coach after Switzerland draw

France manager Didier Deschamps has heaped praise on Paul Pogba, saying that the Juventus midfielder was the life force of his team's first-half performance against Switzerland in Group A match of the Euro Championship 2016 in Lille, Paris.

Pogba, who came under severe criticism over an alleged contentious gesture during their win over Albania on Wednesday, produced a sparkling performance in an otherwise subdued goalless draw, in which he hit the bar twice.

"He brought the game to life in the first half," said Deschamps was quoted as saying by the Mirror. "He has huge potential and I have confidence in him. We need Paul at his highest level. He's an important player for us."

Meanwhile, teammate Andre-Pierre Gignac was equally effusive in praising Pogba saying that the midfielder had not been distracted by off-field issues and urged reporters to drop the issue.

Group winners France will next face the third-place team in either Group C, D or E in Lyon on Sunday.