Olivier Giroud struck back to Graeme Souness after the Rangers legend questioned the French striker's goal-scoring record.

The AC Milan frontman became his country's top scorer in history as he notched his 52nd goal against Poland at the World Cup yesterday.

Giroud's goal set up a quarter-final tie against England after Gareth's Southgate's team defeated Senegal to progress out the last 16.

ITV pundit Souness has played down Giroud's goal-scoring efforts so far this tournament, insisting he is only producing due to Karim Benzema being injured.

The former Ibrox boss also feels that the hectic international schedule has played a part in the Frenchman overtaking the legendary Thierry Henry.

"I'm not his biggest fan', Souness explained. "Seven games in the last World Cup in the team that wins it and he never had a shot on target. When you talk about mentioning him in the same breath as Thierry Henry - sorry!

"I would say his record is there for one reason: Benzema being out for such a long time because of all the controversy he's involved with. Benzema, the current Ballon d'Or holder, will be missed in this French team this competition. Benzema is completely on another level.

"The goalscoring records are marked up because of the amount of games the teams play in these daft competitions. I just think it's an anomaly.

"At 36, fair play to him he's still playing in the French team. His best year in English football is 16 goals for Arsenal which is a marker for anyone. 

"I don't think he'd have a look in at this World Cup if Benzema had been available. He's hard a large slice of luck in his career."

Benzema was not involved in the France set up between 2015 and 2021 after he fell out with the federation.

Fellow ITV pundit Ian Wright added: "You can't compare Benzema and Giroud because he's a different kind of player.

"We know that Benzema, if he didn't have that time he's probably out of sight, but this guy does what he does..."

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