Dimitri Payet and Cheikhou Kouyate are among the West Ham stars in international action this weekend
West Ham star Dimitri Payet could feature for France on Saturday as they take on Scotland in their final UEFA Euro 2016 warm-up fixture.
The tournament’s hosts face Gordon Strachan’s side, who did not qualify for this summer’s competition, in Metz at 8pm, hoping to head into their opening match on 10 June on the back of a friendly victory.
France, who are favourites with the bookmakers at the Euros, have played only friendlies since their quarter-final elimination from the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but have been in good form, beating Portugal, Germany and Holland in the last twelve months.
Payet was recalled by Didier Deschamps after a year out Les Bleus’ squad thanks to his dazzling displays in Claret and Blue, and he has recreated his form in a France shirt, scoring stunning free-kicks against Russia and, more recently, Cameroon on Monday.
With his side level at 2-2 heading into added time, Payet converted a superb set-piece from a tight angle, finding the net via the post with the goalkeeper beaten all ends up.
After the test against Scotland, France will play Romania in the tournament’s opener next Friday before Group A ties against Albania and Switzerland.
The tournament’s hosts face Gordon Strachan’s side, who did not qualify for this summer’s competition, in Metz at 8pm, hoping to head into their opening match on 10 June on the back of a friendly victory.
France, who are favourites with the bookmakers at the Euros, have played only friendlies since their quarter-final elimination from the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but have been in good form, beating Portugal, Germany and Holland in the last twelve months.
Payet was recalled by Didier Deschamps after a year out Les Bleus’ squad thanks to his dazzling displays in Claret and Blue, and he has recreated his form in a France shirt, scoring stunning free-kicks against Russia and, more recently, Cameroon on Monday.
With his side level at 2-2 heading into added time, Payet converted a superb set-piece from a tight angle, finding the net via the post with the goalkeeper beaten all ends up.
After the test against Scotland, France will play Romania in the tournament’s opener next Friday before Group A ties against Albania and Switzerland.
Also in international duty on Saturday will be first team midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, who hopes to seal African Cup of Nations qualification for his Senegal side against Burundi.
The Lions of Teranga need only a draw in Bujumbura to secure their place at next year’s tournament to be held in Gabon, as they currently top Group K which also contains Niger and Namibia.
Kouyate has 25 caps for his country and has scored twice, most recently against Namibia in the current AFCON qualifying campaign.
Finally, young Hammers Anthony Scully and Sam Howes could represent their national sides at youth level on Saturday.
Scully’s Republic of Ireland U18s play hosts Sweden in the second match of their three-team tournament on Saturday. The midfielder set up Ireland’s second goal in the 3-1 win over Hungary on Thursday night.
Meanwhile Howes is one of three goalkeepers travelling with England U19s to face Mexico on Saturday in the first of two matches being played just outside Mexico City.
The Lions of Teranga need only a draw in Bujumbura to secure their place at next year’s tournament to be held in Gabon, as they currently top Group K which also contains Niger and Namibia.
Kouyate has 25 caps for his country and has scored twice, most recently against Namibia in the current AFCON qualifying campaign.
Finally, young Hammers Anthony Scully and Sam Howes could represent their national sides at youth level on Saturday.
Scully’s Republic of Ireland U18s play hosts Sweden in the second match of their three-team tournament on Saturday. The midfielder set up Ireland’s second goal in the 3-1 win over Hungary on Thursday night.
Meanwhile Howes is one of three goalkeepers travelling with England U19s to face Mexico on Saturday in the first of two matches being played just outside Mexico City.