Russia 1-3 France: Paul Pogba puts Manchester United troubles behind him with

Paul Pogba looked to the heavens after scoring a wonder goal as France proved too strong for Russia, beating them 3-1 in St Petersburg on Tuesday night.

The Manchester United midfielder’s father, Fassou Antoine, died last May after a long illness. He would have been 80 on Tuesday.

In tribute Pogba had written ‘Bon Anniversaire, Papa. Allah y Rahmou,’ on his t-shirt which translates as ‘Happy Birthday, Papa, may Allah have mercy on you.’ Later he tweeted: ‘Happy birthday Dad, merci for watching over me and my brothers.’

Kylian Mbappe netted twice as France overcame Russia 3-1 at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg

Mbappe is congratulated after wrapping up the proceedings by scoring France’s third goal of the night in Russia

Paul Pogba celebrates after scoring a fantastic free-kick just four minutes into the second half on Tuesday night

The former Juventus man is congratulated by his team-mates after doubling France’s lead early in the second period

Pogba fired home a free-kick into the left-hand corner from 30 yards out to give France some breathing space

Pogba has struggled in a disappointing campaign under Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, but the stunning free-kick which prompted his emotional tribute came four minutes into the second half and put France in control at 2-0 up.  

Russia, beaten 3-0 by Brazil in Moscow on Friday, have now failed to win any of their last seven matches, while France bounced back from their 3-2 defeat by Colombia in Paris.

Les Bleus made an indifferent start following a minute’s silence in memory of those killed in Sunday’s Kemerovo shopping mall fire and could have found themselves behind in the 15th minute.

Midfielder Alan Dzagoev, one of five Russian changes, teed up Smolov, but the striker’s first-time shot was well saved by Hugo Lloris.

Deschamps made seven changes after letting slip a two-goal lead against Colombia on Friday, and his side showed little urgency until Mbappe somehow missed their opening chance in the 27th minute.

Anthony Martial raced on to a long ball over the top and when his effort was deflected into Mbappe’s path, the Paris Saint-Germain forward shot tamely at goalkeeper Andrey Lunev from 10 yards.

Mbappe gave the visitors the lead just before half-time after cutting inside in the area before striking home

The Paris Saint-Germain star is congratulated by Manchester United’s Pogba, who created the assist for the striker

Mbappe pictured firing the ball past Russia goalkeeper Andrey Lunev to give the…