The Three Lions will face a resurgent French side at the Donbass Arena at Donetsk knowing that their recent record against Les Bleus is not something they can be proud of
June 11, 2012 will see two-time European Champions, France, play against England in a Group D opener of the 2012 European Championships. The venue for the game is the Donbass Arena, Donetsk Ukraine.
Coming into this game, England manager Roy Hodgson knows that his side would be up against it when as they prepare to face a side that has gone unbeaten in their last 21 outings. Furthermore, France’s recent 4-0 thrashing saw Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema
show scintillating form which is by no means a good sign for the English defence that has a makeshift look about it.
Matches not won on paper
If the two squads are looked at, it seems that France have an edge over their rivals but matches are not won in paper especially if it’s a big game. Moreover, there have been quite a few upsets in the tournaments recent history.
Unconvincing yet result-oriented
In their last three outings, Les Bleus have scored 9 goals in three games. Laurent Blanc’s men played three warmup games against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Estonia-c2894 and won all of them.
However, the game against Iceland showed a lot of frailty in the team’s defence. Though they won the game thanks to a late surge, France still need to improve defensively. In the next two games, France’s defensive problems were again showcased but they did
manage to get the desired result.
Under Laurent Blanc, the French team has not captivated imagination but has always got the desired results which means that Roy Hodgson’s men could well be in for a tough time against a side whose attack has the ability to cover up for the defensive frailties.
Moreover, in recent times, Les Bleus have managed to win four out of the last five games against their rivals on the other side of the Channel.
Happy hunting home in Donbass
Last year, France beat http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ukraine-c3032 in an international friendly at the Donbass Arena. Marvin Martin’s late cameo on his debut was the reason behind that win so Les Bleus would be hoping to do well in Donetsk.
Having beaten http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904 on their own backyard, France will have a lot of confidence heading into their opening game of the Euros.
Moment of truth for the Three Lions
After a long wait, the English FA named Roy Hodgson as the new manager of the English national team. The former Fulham boss was given preference over Harry Redknapp largely due to his international experience.
Though he has not won any silverware on the international stage, Hodgson has been here and seen it all and could do a far better http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684 at the Euros than his predecessors.
The English just like their opponents, have not been entertaining like the Germans, Dutch or Spaniards, but under Hodgson, have proven to be less vulnerable to conceded goals. In their recent warmup games, England have relied more on counterattack and despite
missing quite a few key players, will give a tough time to a talented French side that is looking to banish ghosts of the past.
Absences
France
Midfielder Yann M’Vila sprained his ankle in the recent friendly against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alou-Diarra-c5259 is likely to pair up with the Newcastle United
man in the midfield.
England
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wayne-Rooney-c36736 will miss the first two games after the Manchester United man’s moment
of madness in the last qualification game saw him sent off against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Montenegro-c2959.
Probable Starting XI
France
Goalkeeper: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hugo-Lloris-c16408
Defenders: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Adil-Rami-c3639
Midfielders: Alou Diarra, Yohan Cabaye, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mathieu-Valbuena-c24690
Forwards: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Karim-Benzema-c20350
England
Goalkeeper: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joe-Hart-c18699
Defenders: Glenn Johnson, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ashley-Cole-c6809
Midfielders: Scott Parker, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Stewart-Downing-c34221
Forward: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-Welbeck-c10233
Prediction
Though many are expecting http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 to lose this one, games of this magnitude are not done and dusted affairs by any means. If Hodgson is able to keep the defence in shape, France will be on a long night.
Laurent Blanc on the other hand, knows that the winner of this game will have a great chance of playing the quarterfinals so he will be looking to lay siege on the England defence and possibly find one goal that could prove to be enough.
Predicted final score: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 1-0 England
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