Giroud to lead

OLIVIER GIROUD insists he is ready to step up and help fill the huge void in the absence of leader Paul Pogba for France.

The midfielder has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.

Ahead of Giroud’s sixth major tournament, the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker said: “Paul Pogba will be sorely missed through the World Cup.

“Paul takes a lot of space in the team with his personality and charisma but there are other leaders who will emerge.

“I have my role as a big brother for the younger players to be available to them and to speak when it is needed.”