Paul Pogba insists focus should be on France, not him

Pogba struck from long-range in the first half to hand France a vital victory in Amsterdam, silencing some of his most vocal critics.

The Manchester United midfielder had been criticised last week by national team manager Didier Deschamps, who said the 23-year-old “could do better,” but Pogba said after the victory at the Amsterdam Arena that the focus should be on the team, not him.

“I play for the France team. It’s not the Pogba team,” he told Canal+. “We’re not going to start talking individuals. I play for the team and I always play for the team.

“It’s not always nice to hear criticism, but that’s football.

“I stay focused on the field. I always give my all. Then, I try to make big benefits and give the best of myself.

“I am a person who tries things. We always grow and learn. I’m still young. I have goals, we have goals. We want to go to the World Cup.”

France now have seven points in Group A out of a possible nine, and sit top, level on points with Sweden. The Netherlands are third with four points from three games.