Les Bleus face a tricky last 16 tie against Belgium on Monday (01.07.24) after only finishing as runners-up in Group D and feature in the same half of the draw as Germany, Spain and Portugal but the defender is confident that the team has what it takes to become kings of the continent.

Saliba said: "Yes of course they didn't play their best football during the group stages, but it would be a trap to base your opinion on these group matches because we know that this is a new competition that's about to start.

"Belgium versus France is always a shock. So, of course, they'll be up against us, and we'll be up against them too. We're not going to look down on them because they're a very good team and they've got a lot of great players. It's not going to be easy.

"We're not afraid of Belgium either. We're not afraid of anyone. If they're not afraid of us, good for them. We'll see on Monday and we'll do everything we can to win."

The Arsenal centre-back is also embracing the challenge of testing himself against Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku in the knockout tie.

Saliba said: "I don't think many defenders enjoy playing against Romelu Lukaku, but we have no choice and that's the way it is.

"When you're a defender, you want to play against the best strikers in matches like this, and you're happy because you're playing against the best.

"You know how you have to play against strikers like that: you have to be concentrated, and you can't throw too much. We know he's strong, so we can't get too close to him."