Injury-hit France face tricky test against Costa Rica

France v Costa Rica, kick-off 8.00pm

Lassana Diarra’s unfortunate withdrawal has saved Raymond Domenech the job of cutting his 24-man squad by one, and the French boss confirmed that his final squad would consist of the 23 remaining players.

Tonight they get their chance to impress the gaffer on the pitch in the first of three warm-up matches, with William Gallas and Thierry Henry expected to start in a bid to banish any fitness concerns.

This is France’s first home game since a humbling against Spain in March and the visitors are a decent outfit, only missing out on a World Cup spot by losing to Uruguay in a play-off.

But Costa Rica haven’t played since January and struggle away from home – they’ve not won away since beating Guadeloupe in July of last year – so the French remain clear favourites at 2/7, though as it’s unlikely to be a walkover the draw/France bet in the half time/full time market offers better value odds at 7/2.

Fancy a bet on this game at the Stade Felix Bollaert in Lens? See the full France v Costa Rica market