The Arsenal defender is behind Philippe Mexes and Adil Rami in the pecking order but can still earn himself a starting place according to Les Bleus' head coach
France centre-back Laurent Koscielny has been told he will have to fight for a starting place by head coach Laurent Blanc ahead of Monday’s Euro 2012 clash against England.
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.
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,” he told a pre-match press conference.
“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,” he said. “Luckily we have two [centre-backs] in good form.”
