France captain Hugo Lloris has urged Paul Pogba to be a ‘leader’ for Les Bleus during the World Cup.

Manchester United midfielder Pogba heads to Russia on the back of a mixed season at club level, with an adequate record of six goals and 12 assists in 37 games coming in a campaign where his relationship with Jose Mourinho and future at Old Trafford came under the microscope.

Pogba is a key component of Didier Deschamps’ France side but has often struggled to show his best on the international stage.

Spurs goalkeeper Lloris has challenged his international team-mate to do exactly that this summer.

“Paul is no longer a young player,” Lloris said. “He has collected experience with his club and with the national team.

“He has a lot of talent and that label has stuck with him since the beginning. He has had a very good season, although people still debate it. As a football player and as a football fan, I think he had a very good season.

“He has this desire to shine with the French national team. Will he be the ‘boss’? That’s a strong word but a ‘leader’ is what is expected of him on and off the field.

“He is reaching maturity and he wants to do well. But it’s also important that he focuses on his individual performance. This is the best way, to lead by example.”