Blanc: Koscielny must earn place

France coach Laurent Blanc has told defender Laurent Koscielny he will need to fight for a spot in the starting line-up.

Blanc, who has revitalised the French national side following a disastrous World Cup campaign in 2010, has declared Philippe Mexes and Adil Rami as his preferred starters in the centre of defence.

However, the 46-year-old coach insists Koscielny can carve out a place in the team with good performances in training.

“We’ve got two big players in central defence and I hope they play very well tomorrow,” Blanc said ahead of his team’s clash with England on Monday.

“Laurent needs to make sure these two players are worried about their place and are kept on their toes.

“Koscielny has had a very good season with Arsenal but, as you know, you need experience at centre-back and players that work together in terms of instinct.

“I think we did very well during the qualifying campaign with no regrets. Luckily we have two (centre-backs) in good form.”