Payet free-kick coup-franc France French national teamGetty Images

TEAM NEWS: Payet preferred to Martial as France kick off Euro 2016

Dimitri Payet has been chosen to start by Didier Deschamps as France kick off Euro 2016 against Romania. 

The West Ham star was favoured ahead of Anthony Martial for the hosts' tournament opener, in the biggest decision for the Les Bleus' coach. 

Martial will start from the bench, as Payet accompanies Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud up front for the hosts. 

There were otherwise few surprises for the French, with N'Golo Kante continuing in the first XI following his breakout season with Leicester City. 

The Foxes midfielder makes the cut partnering Blaise Matuidi in the centre of the pitch, with Paul Pogba playing slightly ahead.

France: Lloris, Sagna, Koscielny, Rami, Evra, Kante, Matuidi, Pogba, Griezmann, Payet, Giroud.

Romania: Tatarusanu, Sapunaru, Grigore, Chiriches, Rat, Hoban, Pintilii, Stanciu, Popa, Stancu, Andone.

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