France vs. England Preview

France and England have been largely written off for outright success at Euro 2012 this summer and both nations will be out to prove a point from the off when they meet each other in Donetsk for the first game in Group D on Monday June 11.

The tie is arguably one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the opening phase and it is England who will be looking for revenge after folding to Les Bleus late in the day at Euro 2004.

That was the last time these two rivals met on the big stage and consistency has been hard to come by for either nation ever since. After a dismal 2010 World Cup campaign, England and France have restored order to some degree throughout the past two years but it is Laurent Blanc’s side who have been the most resurgent.

Indeed, the former World Cup winning captain has stripped out the old and installed a new, young outfit full of pace and attacking flair.

And Blanc managed to inspire a rather comfortable friendly victory over England at Wembley en route to qualification for this year’s finals in Poland/Ukraine. Although it is foolish to read too much into non-competitive internationals, the French looked far more accomplished than the Three Lions throughout that encounter back in 2010 and they consequently carry an advantage considering that both squads are largely the same eighteen months on.

England of course have the presence of a new manager on board and confidence has grown in recent weeks since the appointment of Roy Hodgson.

The 1966 World Cup winners have been efficient and solid if unspectacular during narrow 1-0 wins against Norway and Belgium and many are anticipating a strong defensive showing under the guidance of the former Blackburn, Fulham and Inter Milan boss.

Injuries to the likes of Gary Cahill, Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry have nevertheless left England extremely depleted and lacking in quality for the start of the tournament – especially as star striker Wayne Rooney carries a two match ban which rules him out of this contest.

France put in an impressive display against Serbia in their last warm-up match and Franck Ribery demonstrated glimpses of his quality during the 2-0 success.

The Bayern Munich winger will once again be the main focus of the French side at the finals and any potential glory for Blanc’s charges will undoubtedly hinge upon his performances. And France may indeed be too strong for England in Donetsk if Ribery is able to hit the ground running and glue together a formidable attack which includes the likes of Loic Remy, Jeremy Menez and Karim Benzema.

England will need defensive lynchpin John Terry to hold firm at the back and hope that they can see enough of the ball to cause France problems.

The draw at 21/10 certainly makes appeal, especially as it is the opening game of the championship and neither side will want to begin empty handed. But France look far more capable of dictating the tempo of the match and can land decent odds of 6/4 if able to starve England of the ball out wide. It is 2/1 for Hodgson to taste victory in his first competitive game in charge but all told a point perhaps appears the best which a young, fractured England can wish for in the Ukraine.

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04/06/2012     © Frixo 2026