Euro 2016 Debrief, Day 1: Take a bow, Dimitri Payet

Each day throughout Euro 2016, we'll provide you with a briefing of everything you need to know from France after the day's matches have concluded; highlights of the action, the most pressing news from the tournament and, of course, a look ahead to the following day.

From the pitch

France 2, Romania 1: Payet the hero after netting late stunner

Dimitri Payet is a damn wizard, and France has three points precisely for that reason.

On the verge of a disappointing, if not debilitating, 1-1 draw against Romania in the tournament opener, the host nation - and favourite to emerge victorious from this competition - was rescued by the West Ham star's 89th-minute missile, which flew off his (weaker) left foot and into the roof of the Romanian goal. Ciprian Tatarusanu never had a chance.

Romania performed well and will be a tough the rest of the way, but elite talent can make the difference, and that's what happened on Friday evening in Saint-Denis.

Oh, and before all of that gorgeous top-corner scoring action went down, there was a strange, surprisingly brief opening ceremony. Technically speaking, that took place on the pitch as well. Whatever. At least there was a cool tifo at the end.

Goal of the day

Yeah. Duh.

Best moment

Payet in tears after scoring his goal was beautiful.

In the news

• De Gea denies involvement in sexual assault: 'It is all false'

The Spanish camp was rocked early in the day after an explosive report from El Diario implicated goalkeeper David De Gea in a sexual assault investigation. In a police statement from a female witness, De Gea - working with a Spanish pornography baron - was accused of organising an abusive, non-consensual sexual encounter with prostitutes for two teammates in 2012, while he was a member of Spain's Under-21 team. He quickly issued a statement later in the day denying the allegations.

• Watch: Tear gas deployed on England fans in Marseille

England fans in Marseille ahead of Saturday's contest against Russia clashed with local police for a second consecutive day, with tear gas deployed to subdue a crowd that was described as "quite menacing."

• Report: Hodgson dumps Vardy from England opener

Jamie Vardy's magical season may not be heading for a perfect ending, after all. The 24-goal Leicester City striker, long expected to start the Three Lions' opening match of the tournament alongside Harry Kane, is reportedly set to be axed from Roy Hodgson's lineup.

• Germany hoping Hummels could face Ukraine

Mats Hummels has been sidelined since May 21 after tearing a calf muscle in the DFB-Pokal final, but optimism is growing in the German camp that the central defender will be fit for Sunday's match against Ukraine.

• Sweden boss won't allow Ibrahimovic to fly to Manchester

If Zlatan Ibrahimovic is going to complete a move to Manchester United during Euro 2016, the Red Devils are going to have to come to him to finalise the deal. Sweden manager Erik Hamren has, understandably, barred the towering striker from leaving the team's camp to deal with his club future. Even Zlatan has to abide by rules, it seems.

Reading list

Here's what you should be clicking on today ...

• Cult Heroes and European Icons: Platini stars as France lifts 1st trophy (Michael J. Chandler, theScore)

• Payet's winner vindicates Deschamps (Gabriele Marcotti, ESPN FC)

• Why Russia’s identity crisis could make them England’s ideal opponent (Barney Ronay, the Guardian)

• Trouble in Marseille: recalling the 1998 violence as England returns at Euro 2016 (the Guardian)

• The Euro 2016 Hairstyle Guide: The Helmet, the Gumby, and everything in between (Jason Concepcion, The Ringer)

Looking ahead

Saturday sees the competition kick into full swing, with three matches on the docket, highlighted by the Three Lions opening their tournament against an injury-ravaged Russia side.