Gallery: France leave it late again as they qualify from Group A

France were 2-0 winners over Albania in Group A in Marseille.

France players celebrate against Albania

It is becoming something of a habit for Didier Deschamps and France. They face a side that is difficult to break down, but end up leaving it late to get the win – and the role of the substitutions inevitably plays a part.

Albania were stubborn, worked hard at the back and didn’t give the French much of a sniff for the best part of 89 minutes. Having dropped Paul Pogba and Antonie Griezmann from the opening win against Romania, Deschamps ended up calling upon them.

Albania found themselves hitting the woodwork, as did Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud for the home side. After France huffed, and puffed without failing to register a shot on target, Griezmann glanced home Adil Rami’s cross.

The second goal was the icing on the cake as Albania tried to rally with Dimitri Payet getting his second goal of the competition to ensure their place in the knock-out stages.

It may have been unconvincing but it’s job done as far as the French as concerned as they go in search of another international tournament win on home soil. There may be a serious need for improvement, but one can’t doubt their ability to play until the very end.

Here are some of the best images from last night’s action:

Albania's Ledian Memushaj hits the post against France Albania’s Ledian Memushaj hits the post against France