France coach Didier Deschamps has hailed the importance of Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud for their run to the World Cup semifinals.

Deschamps insists Giroud is crucial to their system.

He said: "It's true Olivier hasn't scored yet. I repeat yet. He is important for our style. In the last game he made assists for Mbappé, we need this supporting play.

"It's good if he scores but Olivier is always very generous and doesn't complain about working hard. He might not have the flamboyant style but the team needs him even if he doesn't score. His game is in the air and defence. He does many things, it is the players around him that benefit. He attracts a lot of attention from defenders."

And that frees up PSG whiz Kylian Mbappé, who has blown Giroud away as much as anyone else.

"Yeah, it's very interesting when he starts from far [back]. Right side, he can use his best qualities, his skills, and obviously with this speed he's very precious [valuable] for us. We don't run, we play, we try to combine more central, and after he can run in behind. So we've got different qualities up front, and a good understanding, very complementary."