Friday 1 July 2016 16:55, UK
England's shock Euro 2016 exit to Iceland was a "big slap in the face" for the squad, says France defender Bacary Sagna.
England would have played France in the quarter-finals this weekend if they came through the last-16 tie against smallest ever nation to feature at a European Championship.
But Lars Lagerback's men were victorious in Nice and set up a meeting with France at the Stade de France on Sunday.
Ahead of the last-eight clash, Manchester City right-back Sagna was on media duty for Les Bleus and admitted that England's departure from the tournament was a big upset.
"It's a shock, a shock for the country. A lot of people expected it to be France v England," he told a press conference on Friday.
"They've got a big slap in the face. The criticism of the players is too much. They'll get a new coach and try to manage the pressure better.
"I thought England would win because they have a young team with plenty of talent. On the other hand, I was quite happy for Iceland because they played really well. They taught England a lesson and deserve to be where they are."
Sagna - who has won praise for convincing displays in the tournament - also added he was confident Les Bleus would survive Sunday's tricky test at the Stade de France.
"We certainly do not underestimate Iceland but we belong to the best sides in Europe, we're among the favourites and we're at home," he said.
"We have a status to live up to. When we see how the people in the fan zones celebrate when we score a goal, it warms our hearts. We just can't let them down.
"I'm not thinking about defeat. I'm not planning to go on holidays early. I want to go all the way."
French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet has set a place in the last four as the goal for the host nation, meaning Sunday's match will determine whether the tournament is a success or a failure for Les Blues.
"I don't agree," Sagna said. "To me, bowing out in the semi-finals would still be a failure. We all know what we're here for".
