The counter is where Albania have the chance to catch out France and Ermir Lenjani pounces on a poor pass to lead a breakaway. He gets down to the byline but his cross hits Adil Rami's head and France clear.

Image source, EPA

Neil Lennon
Hibernian manager in Marseille for BBC Radio 5 live

"Albania will be pretty happy with the start they've made. There's been no real threat on their goal apart from the header by Giroud from Payet's free-kick."

Armando Sadiku has a horrible task tonight. He is the only Albania player in the France half as Albania defend in numbers and France come forward again, this time Olivier Giroud isn't quite able to connect properly with Patrice Evra's cross.

Luke: Martial to get a brace tonight.

It's the first chance for Kingsley Coman to show off his blistering pace and Albania decide the best way to prevent him getting away down the right side of the box is to foul him. Free-kick France. Dimitri Payet stands over the ball, it's not in shooting territory but he whips it in for Olivier Giroud, who heads over.

Image source, Reuters

Neil Lennon
Hibernian manager in Marseille for BBC Radio 5 live

"Albania's idea will be to defend deep, hold France back and hit them on the counter attack, but it could be a long night for them."

A win for France will see them become the first team to qualify for the knockout stages and they are being invited to press for an early goal by an Albania side that is sitting very deep.

There's a minute's applause to remember two French police officials who were killed earlier this week before the game gets under way.

Neil Lennon
Hibernian manager in Marseille for BBC Radio 5 live

"I do like the look of this France side. There's pace, a bit of magic from Payet, the only concern you have is over central defence."  

The players are out for the national anthems and it has to be said, great support from Albania, whose fans have travelled in numbers.

Their anthem is respectfully observed by the home fans, but the moment La Marseillaise starts up, the stadium erupts as the French fans and players belt out their anthem. Stirring stuff.

BBC Radio 5 Live

Brilliant atmosphere indeed at the Stade Velodrome, and what a moment for young Kingsley Coman. Two days after celebrating his 20th birthday, he is walking out into this amazing stadium as the youngest player to start a game for France in a tournament. Stuff of dreams.

Thierry Henry
Former France International on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Getty Images

"Desire. That is what made me jump out of my seat and give Dimitri Payet a standing ovation as he came off in the win over Romania. He cried. That tells you how much he wants to play for his nation. Great goal, great man, great performance."

Neil Lennon
Hibernian manager in Marseille for BBC Radio 5 live

"The atmosphere in the stadium here really is a scene to behold. It's very special. I'm really looking forward to seeing how France go about trying to break down Albania, who I expect to defend in numbers."

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Getty Images

The fans tonight are certainly winning at face/beard painting. Stunning efforts across the board in Marseille.

Image source, EPA

Image source, Getty Images

Will Ollie Giroud keep up his hugely impressive international record going tonight? You'd have to fancy him to. 

While Giroud can't stop scoring, Anthony Martial goes into this game looking for his first international goal in his 11th France appearance.

Rego: No Pogba or Griezmann? France manager has gone mad. Best two players the French have got.

Lord Camomile: 50% of fantasy managers have Payet in their team - forget a home nation's hopes, that's pressure!  

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

It's back to an old stomping ground for Dimitri Payet. 

The forward spent two years at Marseille before moving to West Ham after a particularly impressive season. 

The Hammers paid just £10m for him. Absolute bargain.

Ahmed Safwan Shah: France drops Pogba after a shoddy performance. Can Portugal drop Ronaldo for the same?   

MK: Payet is the man in charge!

Rob Elmore: Still think France to win the Euros - just look at that starting 11, and that's without Pogba and Griezmann.