Gallas relishing England clash

French defender expects friendly fixture to be anything but

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 25th March 2008

William Gallas

Gallas: Added motivation

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William Gallas is looking forward to pitting his wits against familiar foes when he lines up for France on Wednesday.

The Arsenal defender is expected to be named in Raymond Domenech's starting XI for the clash against England, and he expects the atmosphere to be far from friendly.

The two countries have not come face-to-face for almost four years and, with the added incentive for France's English-based contingent to put one over their club colleagues, there promises to be fireworks in Paris.

Tense

"We know it is always a bit more tense between the English and the French," said the Gunners captain.

"We appreciate each other but we always want to show that we are better then them.

"The stakes will be high, the stadium will be full - and in our heads, we can't just consider this as simply a friendly.

"For players who have played in England or who are still there, it is always an added motivation."

Response

Meanwhile, Juventus striker David Trezeguet has played down speculation which has suggested that he must perform well against England if he harbours any ambitions of making Domenech's squad for Euro 2008.

Currently joint top scorer in Serie A, Trezeguet has fallen behind Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka and Karim Benzema in the pecking order for the national side but insists that his international future is not hanging in the balance.

"Even if this is the last game before the squad of 23 is announced, I don't feel I have to play a big match against England," he said.

"It isn't just based on this match that I am going to figure in the list or not.

"Domenech has been building his squad for a while now. He has a team in his head, and you have to know how to accept it.

"As far as I am concerned, I am always available for duty with the national team. In these months I have been absent, I haven't said anything else.

"People tried to make me react to the choices of the coach. But my only response has been on the pitch, in my displays for my club."

Worrying

Trezeguet will be handed his chance to shine on Wednesday due to a mounting French injury list which now includes, Henry, Benzema, Patrick Vieira, Louis Saha, Mathieu Valbuena, Bacary Sagna and Sebastien Frey.

With this summer's European Championships fast approaching, Domenech insists that he is not worried about the host of stars currently unavailable to him, but admits that the situation needs resolving quickly.

"We are at the end of March," he said.

"At the moment, it isn't worrying. In April or May, it could become so.

"I can only make my plans when I have all the information in front of me. For the time being, I haven't."