Hard way the right way for Deschamps' France

Didier Deschamps is hoping friendly games against the likes of Brazil, Portugal, Belgium and England in 2015 can hone his France side as UEFA EURO 2016 edges closer for the hosts.

"We will kick off in March with a little game," smirked Deschamps as he looked ahead to a Stade de France meeting with Brazil on 26 March – an encounter which could be a special one for Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian central-defensive pairing of David Luiz and Thiago Silva. "With such prestigious opposition, we are sticking to our plan to give playing time to a lot of players in great conditions."

Three days later, France take on Denmark as they continue to play friendly matches against all the teams in EURO qualifying Group I as part of the new Week of Football concept. "That keeps our minds on competitive football, which is good," Deschamps said, but there may be more spice in the games against old rivals Belgium and England later in the year.

A narrow FIFA World Cup quarter-final loss to Germany was France's only defeat in 15 matches in 2014 – a positive sign as they build towards next summer's showpiece event.

"We already have a core of players who know each other well," Deschamps explained. "Some are pretty new, others may join us. The aim of these games is to get as much information as possible to work out who will play for France at the EURO. We are lucky to have matches against some of the best European and world nations to help us do that."

France's 2015 schedule
Brazil (home, 26 March)
Denmark (home, 29 March*)
Belgium (home, 7 June)
Albania (away, 13 June*)
Portugal (away, 4 September*)
Serbia (home, 7 September*)
Armenia (home, 8 October*)
Denmark (away, 11 October*)
England (away, 17 November)

*Week of Football fixtures