Houllier - France is example

Houllier: England will shine

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Gerard Houllier has told England to take heart from France when they won the World Cup four years after failing to qualify for the 1994 tournament.

England are resigned to watching Euro 2008 on the TV after their failure to qualify, and France - who won the 1998 World Cup four years after not featuring in the 1994 tournament - could be the Three Lions' example to follow.

"France didn't qualify for the World Cup in 1994 and they won it in 1998," said Houllier, who was in charge of the national side which failed to qualify in 1994.

"Sometimes when you have a dip, there is disillusionment and disappointment. That comes with not qualifying for major tournaments - it gets people together to work.

"From a crisis comes an opportunity - maybe to do something and get into the next competitions. I think that is what England are doing."

Tactical trends

Houllier is currently part of Uefa's technical team that will analyse tactical trends and put together a report for Europe's football governing body during Euro 2008.

On the tournament, the 60-year-old said: "No matter what people think, this is the best tournament in the world - the 14 best teams in Europe and the two organisers.

"It's as good as the last 16 of the World Cup."

Hype

With the hype surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United future, Houllier expects him to shrug off the pressure and be one to watch in the tournament.

"In 2004, he was a very young player, in the meantime he has acquired experience through the Champions League and Premiership.

"This season it seems he is not only passing and providing assists, but he can score.

"It's coming to a special time for him. You have league players, international players and world-class players - there are 20 or 30 and he is one of them," he added.