Hugo Lloris has insisted France will not underestimate Denmark ahead of their World Cup showdown.
Denmark have beaten France twice in the last five months in the Nations League and that should serve as a warning for the injury-ravaged world champions.
But France captain Lloris says all of their replacements are good enough to make up for the absences of the likes of Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante with Lucas Hernandez their latest injury casualty. Tottenham keeper Lloris said: “I've said on a number of occasions that they are underrated as a team. We're talking about just a four-month period, we're not talking about a long period, it's between June and September where they beat us twice.
“It is another tournament, but Denmark is a very strong team that can compete with the best, we are warned. We are aware of the importance of the game tomorrow, it is synonymous with promotion. We have a mountain to climb against Denmark. We have a lot of work, all the teams look good physically.”
France triumphed four years ago and are among the favourites again but must do it without most of the heroes of their 2018 World Cup triumph.
However, Lloris says the new generation like Adrien Rabiot, Antoine Griezmann and fit-again Raphael Varane have enough experience and quality.
Lloris added: “A lot of emphasis has been placed on the absence of Kante and Pogba, who are the engines of France. But it is forgotten that there are footballers who can take on those responsibilities.
“Adrien Rabiot is such a player, this opportunity for him comes at a good time. When we were confused at the start of the game against Australia, he was there, and showed his impact on the team. We know his talent, but also his ability to work hard. He can help us go far,” believes the goalkeeper.
“I see that Antoine Griezmann is happy, with his smile, he makes an effort both in defense and in attack. In the game he is the connection between the two phases of the game, he is strong there. He is a team player, he makes his teammates shine.
“Raphael Varane brings us calmness, security, experience. He is a leader, he has a quiet strength and gives a lot to this team. It feels like he is fine, despite his injuries and his fears that he might miss the World Cup. He is ready to fight for the team.
“It’s hard to compare two tournaments that are 4 years apart. We only have ten players left from our old team, but we have to rely on that experience.
“Against Australia in 2018, we had a lot of trouble getting things going. We wanted that to happen again, we wanted to start with a bang.”
