Deschamps gives 'piece of his mind' to inspire France to win over Senegal

France looked sluggish in the first half and were fortunate not to fall behind, with Senegal's Ismaila Sarr missing a great chance from close range, leaving the match goalless at the break. But they rallied in the second half, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice.

Deschamps admitted they made a lot of errors in their Group I opener in New Jersey, but he added that he was happy with the team setup and the choices he made.

He highlighted in particular his decision to bring on substitute Bradley Barcola, who scored France's second goal in the 82nd minute, and to switch Michael Olise's role to more of a playmaking position in the second half.

"I am frank with my players," Deschamps said. "We didn't have the best first half, we could do better on many levels. I don't shout, but I do give a piece of my mind, they have to make the right decisions."

Deschamps praised Mbappe, whose two goals made him France's all-time leading scorer.

"People will still criticise him but he's an iconic player, I've always said that. With one action he is able to tip the scales and bring his team to victory," he said.

Deschamps pushed back against criticism that Mbappe does not do enough in defence.

"He's not here to defend," he said. "If he wants to miss the first half and score two goals in the second that's ok with me."

The match helped dispel a cloud that had hung over France since 2002, when the then-champions lost to Senegal in their opening game and never regained their rhythm, crashing out in the group stage.

France face Iraq next before completing their group-stage campaign against Norway.