France are unbeaten in 21 matches and scored some
delightful goals in their 4-0 win over Estonia in the build up to
the tournament. A lot hinges on Ribery of course, how much of the
ball he can get in dangerous areas, and the potency of Benzema, who
was in supreme form for Real Madrid this season.
The omens aren't good for England - they have never won their
opening game at the European Championships. One of those was a 2-1
defeat to France at Euro 2004 - a game they led until the 90th
minute, when Zidane scored twice in stoppage time. One consolation
for England, at least Zizou isn't playing today.
France: Lloris, Debuchy, Rami, Mexes, Evra,
Nasri, Cabaye, Diarra, Malouda, Ribery, Benzema.
Substitutes: Mandanda, Giroud, Matuidi, Reveillere, Menez,
M'Vila, Martin, Ben Arfa, Valbuena, Clichy, Koscielny,
Carrasso.
England: Hart, Johnson, Terry, Lescott, Cole,
Milner, Gerrard, Parker, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Young, Welbeck.
Substitutes: Green, Walcott, Henderson, Carroll, Baines, Jones,
Jagielka, Downing, Defoe, Butland.
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy).
