French pundit Pierre Menes admits Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud surprised him for France's win over Germany.

Menes has been one of Giroud's biggest critics.

But he said last night: "It has been a long time since I have seen Giroud so good.

"He tried a lot of shots. He won in the duels, made good headers, defended well. In this match, I saw a Giroud not transcendent on the offensive plan but useful to the team.

"So there, I agree. But do not let the expression 'Giroud useful to the team' become a crutch."