Former France international has backed fellow countryman Paul Pogba to shine at the World Cup.

Pogba has had an inconsistent season with Manchester United, scoring six times but starting most Premier League games from the bench.

Sagna, who retired from international duty in 2016, has said that he is confident that Pogba can impress on the world stage.

"Paul is a special character and he's very important for the team," the 35-year-old told Sky Sports News. "He had a so-so season with Manchester United because he got a lot of criticism because when you cost £100m people expect you to score many goals, people expect you to make a lot more.

"People have to remember he is only a holding midfield player and he has orders from the manager and to me a holding midfield player is there to protect the team and to defend first.

"That's what he's been doing, but I'm looking forward to seeing him shining and he's going to shine."

Pogba has scored nine goals in 54 France caps going into the World Cup.