International friendly preview: England – France
Settling old scores for Three Lions
The two sides haven’t met for well over a decade. The last time the two sides met, Les Blues ran out 2 – 0 victors. England has not beaten France since 1997. Tonight, Capello will fight out a battle of wits against Laurent Blanc who has
had his fair share of troubles on International arena.
The Three lions have been ravaged by numerous injuries in build up to this game therefore Capello has called up a host of youngsters to do the day’s job. Don Fabio is looking for a complete overhaul following World Cup failure. The Italian
has called up numerous uncapped players in a bid to acquire some much needed International talent.
The inclusion of Cardiff City forward has come as a real shock to many but the 28-year-old is optimistic he will make the most of this opportunity.
He stated on the issue, "Once you get a taste you want to do well and stay in. If I am involved on Wednesday it will be another great day for me."
Blanc in search of consistency
The French had a torrid World Cup campaign this year. Where their performances on the pitch were dismal, the dressing room politics and the fight for power bordered on embarrassing. Raymond Domenech was duly given the axe and Laurent
Blanc was given the reigns.
The former Boudreaux tactician had to do with a host of stars as the French Football Federation (FFF) decided to ban key players responsible for the World Cup fiasco. Blanc has called up a young and inexperienced squad for this game –
pretty much like the Three Lions.
Blanc will be aware of the rivalry these two sides support. Les Blues go in to this game with a strong history backing them and the tactician will be hopeful of yet another positive result.
Team News
England
Fabio Capello hasn’t been lucky with injuries this season. John Terry, Ashley Cole, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Frank Lampard, Jermain Defore, Wayne Rooney all are out injured and were unavailable for a call up. To make matters worse, Arsenal
starlet Jack Wilshere has also received a training ground injury and will miss the tie.
Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll will make their International debut for England
France
Barclays Premier League has a distinct presence with five first team players plying their trade for English clubs. On injury front, Philippe Mexes has been ruled out of contention following an injury. Younes Kaboul will deputise for the
AS Roma centre back.
Key Players
Steven Gerrard
With a host of regular starters on treatment tables, Steven Gerrard will have to deliver the goods for Fabio Capello. Liverpool’s captain fantastic has rediscovered some of his form and that has coincided with The Reds climb up the table.
Gerrard has a keen eye for goal while he will also look to set up debutant Andy Carroll.
Samir Nasri
Gunners’ playmaker has been putting in some impressive performances for his club. With Yoan Gourcuff struggling in the playmaker role, time is ripe for Nasri to establish himself as the primary playmaker for Les Blues.
Prediction
Laurent Blanc has a highly talented team at his disposal while Capello is without almost all of his regular starters. Nothing much is expected of the English debutants as Les Blues will register a comfortable victory. France to win by
a 2 – 1 score line.
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