Olivier Giroud scored one goal and made another in a fine all-round display in France’s 5-2 victory against Switzerland on Friday.
The Arsenal forward was one of two changes to Didier Deschamps’ side and the manager was rewarded with a fantastic performance.
Having claimed 22 goals in all competitions for the Gunners in 2013/14, Giroud opened the scoring with a powerful header from a corner that nestled in the top corner.
Seconds later, Les Bleus doubled their lead when Blaise Matuidi broke away and slotted past Diego Benaglio.
Karim Benzema had a glorious chance to add a third from the penalty spot, but his effort was saved before Yohan Cabaye hit the bar from the rebound.
Giroud was at the heart of everything for France and he turned provider in the 40th minute as he rolled the ball across for Mathieu Valbuena to score.
Giroud was replaced by Paul Pogba in the 63rd minute, and will have every reason to be satisfied with a stellar display.
Laurent Koscielny came off the bench to replace the injured Mamadou Sissoko with 24 minutes remaining as France remained firmly on the front foot.
They added a fourth soon afterwards when Benzema hooked the ball past Benaglio following a mistake by former Gunner Phillipe Senderos.
Moussa Sissoko claimed a fifth, before Blerim Dzemaili got one back for the Swiss from a free kick. They added another in the 87th minute through Granit Xhaka.
Johan Djourou played the full 90 minutes on a trying night for Switzerland.
France face Ecuador on Wednesday, while Switzerland face Honduras at the same time.
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