Alexandre Lacazette said he was proud that head coach Thierry Henry, his idol growing up, had given him the responsibility of leading the France Olympic team, and hoped the home support would fuel the team's medal ambitions.

Lacazette, who last played for France in 2017, told Fifa in an interview published on Saturday that the Olympic team — an U-23 side with three over-aged players — had become a close-knit group ahead of the campaign to win France their second gold medal in football.

"We all have the same ambition, to win a medal," the 33-year-old said. "The fact that it’s a home Games is going to motivate us."

Former Arsenal forward Lacazette said Henry wanted the team to play an attacking style of football. "Tactically, he is decidedly forward-thinking... he especially wants us to enjoy ourselves and put on a show for the spectators,” Lacazette said.

France, placed in Group A, begin their campaign against the United States in Marseille on Wednesday, two days before the formal opening ceremony in Paris.

Spain's challenge

Spain will have a chance to do 'summer double' team as the newly-crowned European champions take on the challenge of bringing Olympic glory to the country.

Spain were unlucky in Tokyo Olympics 2020, as a Pedri-inspired side could not beat Dani Alves' Brazil in the gold medal match. This time too they have a good squad.

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, just 17, is one of the big names in the squad. Spain also have Cubarsi's clubmate Fermin Lopez and Villarreal's Alex Baena. The two Euro winners will be in Paris instead of enjoying holidays.

Spain look balanced in every department and coach Santi Denia will have a headache of selection, given the quality he has at his disposal.

Spain have three above-23 players in Juan Miranda, Sergio Gomez and Abel Ruiz. They are in Group C with Uzbekistan, Egypt and the Dominican Republic.