June 11, 2012 5:00 PM BST
Donbass Arena — Donets'k
Referee: N. Rizzoli
Team News
France
France come into their opener with a mini defensive midfield crisis with
Yohan Cabaye perhaps the only fully fit player in the double pivot. Of
the likes of M'Vila, Matuidi and Diarra the latter is perhaps most
likely to be available.
Patrice Evra has had his critics on the international scene recently but
is likely to keep his place ahead of Clichy, with an attacking midfield
spot potentially up for grabs between Menez, Malouda and Valbuena.
Karim Benzema will get the starting striker role, with Olivier Giroud in reserve as a more direct threat from the bench.
England
A first international goal in the most recent friendly with Belgium may
just have earned Danny Welbeck a starting berth ahead of Andy Carroll up
front, who, like Giroud, will offer a real aerial threat from the
bench.
Ashley Young is likely to be given the free role in behind the lone
striker, with James Milner set to get the nod over Stewart Downing and
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out wide.
The other position up for grabs is the starting centre-back role alongside Terry, with Lescott perhaps favoured over Jagielka.
Wayne Rooney begins his two-game suspension after being sent off in the final qualifier against Montenegro.
Probable Lineups
France (4-2-3-1) : Lloris, Evra, Mexes, Rami, Debuchy, Cabaye, Diarra, Ribery, Nasri, Menez, Benzema.England (4-4-1-1) : Hart, Jonhson, Terry, Lescott, Cole, Walcott, Parker, Gerrad, Milner, Young, Welbeck.
Match Facts
England have scored at least 2 goals in 12 of their last 15 matches in EURO Cup.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 9 of France's last 11 games in EURO Cup.
France are undefeated in their last 9 matches in EURO Cup.
France have won their last 3 matches against England in all competitions.
England are undefeated in their last 8 matches in EURO Cup.
Head to Head
| International Friendlies (FR) | Nov 17, 2010 | England 1 - France 2 | |
| International Friendlies (FR) | Mar 26, 2008 | France 1 - England 0 |
Prediction
The loss of Wayne Rooney through suspension is undoubtedly a huge blow
for England coming into the game with France, and Blanc's side have been
in decent shape going into the tournament, if not defensively.
Franck Ribery could be the key player in this match if Walcott is
fielded on the right. The England man cannot leave Johnson exposed if
they hope to nullify the Bayern winger's threat.
Danny Welbeck is a livewire and will be a nuisance to France's defence
if he starts, though Young is likely to have a more integral role,
particularly in the potential absence of Arsenal target Yann M'Vila.
France 2 - 1 England
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