Iceland 2-2 France: Jean-Philippe Mateta scores first senior international goal as Les Bleus held | OneFootball

Didier Dechamps will have to wait until November to confirm his place at next summer’s World Cup

Jean-Philippe Mateta marked his first senior start for France with a goal as Les Bleus were held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland in a World Cup qualifier.

The Crystal Palace striker, starting in place of the injured Kylian Mbappe, tapped home at the back post from Maghnes Akliouche's cross to put France 2-1 up with just over 20 minutes left to play.

It was Les Bleus’ first lead of the evening after they had trailed 1-0 at half-time and drawn level through Christopher Nkunku, but it was short-lived.

Kristian Hlynsson restored parity moments after Mateta’s strike with the hosts’ second shot on target of the night, and the stalemate would not be broken.

The result leaves France atop qualifying Group D, though their spot at next summer’s World Cup is not yet assured.

They lead second-placed Ukraine by just three points after they pipped Azerbaijan 2-1

The group’s top spot, then, will be decided by a crunch clash between France and Ukraine at the Parc des Princes in November, where Les Bleus could qualify with a win.

Earlier in the evening, Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade matched Mateta’s feat, opening his account for Germany as Die Mannschaft beat Northern Ireland 1-0.

Mateta, now 28, was made to wait longer than most for his first international call-up, and made his debut with a 10-minute cameo as France sank Azerbaijan last week.

Mbappe’s injury is not thought to be severe, though Mateta seems to have established himself as a firm second choice, and will hope to be recalled in November.