INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY: FRANCE HELD IN BELGRADE

UEFA EURO 2016 hosts France failed to follow up their 1-0 success over Spain three days ago, being held 1-1 by Serbia in Belgrade.

France held in Belgrade

Didier Deschamps' side took the lead after 14 minutes when Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba picked up a Remy Cabella corner to fire in his fourth international goal. Capped 18 times, Pogba, 21, is a rising star of the new-look France team and one of just four players to survive from Thursday's starting line-up.

Former France skipper Deschamps made seven changes to the side that beat Spain for the match against Serbia, who are in Euro 2016 qualifying Group I along with Portugal, Denmark, Armenia and Albania. France will qualify automatically for the tournament as hosts but will play friendlies against teams in the five-team Group I.

Serbia, who have not participated in the finals of a major championship since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, struggled to find an opening in their first game under new coach Dick Advocaat. But in the 80th minute France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was left powerless to keep out a powerful effort from Manchester City's Aleksandar Kolarov from a free-kick.

Two minutes from time however, Lloris kept the sides level by clearing a dangerous Branislav Ivanovic header. France's Loic Remy failed to follow his heroics against former world champions Spain, missing two opportunities in the ninth and 55th minute.

France's third friendly on their two-year road to Euro 2016 will be against Portugal at Stade de France on 11 October, with Serbia playing their first qualifier in Albania on the same day.

AFP