France have returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Russia in Tuesday's friendly in Saint Petersburg.

Didier Deschamps's side lost out to Colombia on Friday, but a double from Kylian Mbappe and a Paul Pogba free kick ensured that the visitors recorded an impressive win in the country of the 2018 World Cup hosts.

Chances were few and far between during the early stages of the fixture, but Russia created the first clear-cut opportunity after 15 minutes when Hugo Lloris had to remain alert to keep out Fedor Smolov's effort after the forward had been played through on goal.

However, France were having their own moments at the other end of the pitch and the Euro 2016 runners-up should have taken the lead through Mbappe, only for Andrey Lunev to make a stunning save from point-blank range.

France began to mount a sustained spell of pressure inside of the final third, with Laurent Koscielny the next to force Lunev into an intervention with a header from a set piece.

Anthony Martial then sent a header of his own off target but five minutes before the break, France went in front through Mbappe who found the bottom corner of the net having been teed up by Pogba.

Four minutes after the restart, the Manchester United midfielder went from provider to goalscorer as he converted a free kick from the edge of the area for his ninth goal on the international stage.

However, before the hour mark, Russia should have halved the deficit when Vladimir Granat fired off target from close range after Smolov had witnessed his shot smothered by Lloris.

The home side's goal did arrive soon afterwards. A cross was whipped into the area from a wide position and Smolov was on hand to produce an excellent finish into the corner.

Russia were in the ascendancy but seven minutes from time, France effectively wrapped up victory thanks to Mbappe, who collected a pass from Blaise Matuidi before beating Lunev from inside of the penalty area.

RUSSIA (3-5-2) Lunev; Granat, Neustadter, Kudryashov (Cheryshev 83'); Samedov (Smolnikov 46'), Erokhin (Shvets 76') , Dzagoev (An.Miranchuk 54'), Golovin, Zhirkov (Rausch 46'); Smolov, Al.Miranchuk (Zabolotnyi 66')

FRANCE (4-3-3) Lloris; Pavard, Koscielny, Umtiti (Kimpembe 80'), Lucas; Kante (Tolisso 66'), Rabiot (Matuidi 81'), Pogba; Dembele (Giroud 72'), Martial (Griezmann 58'), Mbappe (Lemar 86')