‘It wasn’t a case of picking Ireland to have fun and win easily’ says Didier Deschamps

Séamus Coleman and Martin O’Neill have called on Ireland’s new breed to lay down a marker against France tonight.

The Stade de France holds mixed memories for Ireland over the past decade, from the controversial World Cup play-off in 2009 to Wes Hoolahan’s goal against Sweden at Euro 2016, and the likes of Alan Browne and Declan Rice will have their own designs on writing the latest chapter.

Both rookies started last time out in March against Turkey, Rice making his debut and Browne his second appearance. That was considered the starting point of O’Neill’s squad overhaul whereas tonight is an early tester of the depth in personnel available to him.