Argentina goalkeepers practice penalties ahead of France showdown FIFA World Cup 2018 - Argentina Sampaoli is expected to select the side which started in win over Nigeria

Argentina are making sure they are ready for anything ahead of the World Cup last 16 clash against France with their goalkeepers facing penalties ahead of training on Friday.

Franco Armani, Willy Caballero and Nahuel Guzman faced spot-kicks from some of the youth players who have travelled to Russia with the squad to help out when needed, ahead of Saturday's showdown at the Kazan Arena.

After scraping through Group D in second place, Argentina must face one of the tournament favourites in France, who topped Group C.

Enzo Perez returned to training at Argentina's base in Bronnitsy after a minor fitness concern and Ever Banega was given birthday greetings by his team-mates as he turned 30, with the South Americans looking for calm and unity after a tumultuous start to the tournament.

Coach Jorge Sampaoli is expected to select the same side which started in the 2-1 win over Nigeria on Tuesday, which would be the first time in 15 games at the helm of Argentina he has not made changes from the previous match.