Raymond Domenech has named Thierry Henry as his captain for a friendly against Sweden.
Barca striker set to lead France
Raymond Domenech has named Thierry Henry as his captain for a friendly against Sweden.
It is unclear whether the Barcelona striker will take the position on an interim or full-time basis.
However, the former Arsenal man will definitely lead his country out in Gothenburg on Wednesday.
"As he is here, and Pat (Vieira) isn't, Thierry has all the qualities and skills to be captain," said Domenech.
"We've seen various people have had (injury) problems over recent seasons. I'm not committing to anything."
New generation
Vieira is still considered to be the national skipper, but has struggled with injuries of late and was forced to sit out the whole of Euro 2008.
In the past the armband has gone to Lilian Thuram in Vieira's absence, but the veteran defender announced his retirement from football this summer and was overlooked in favour of Henry at the European Championship.
As a result, Henry has once again been handed the honour, with Arsenal's William Gallas named as his vice-captain.
"I still want to give something. It's my duty," Henry said.
"There's a new generation coming through but there always has to be someone to show the way.
"I've got quite a lot of top level experience, I know the new generation that's coming through quite well, I've always felt quite young."
Side named
Marseille's Steve Mandanda is set to win only his second cap in between the sticks against Sweden, while Arsenal's Bacary Sagna is given another chance to shine.
There will be five Premier League players on show, with Sagna joined in the side by his Gunners team-mate Gallas, Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra, Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra and Chelsea winger Florent Malouda.
Philippe Mexes is back in favour after being left out of Euro 2008 and Lyon's young starlet Karim Benzema will lead the line.
France's team to play Sweden on 20th August will be as follows:
Steve Mandanda, Bacary Sagna, Philippe Mexes, William Gallas, Patrice Evra, Sidney Govou, Jeremy Toulalan, Lassana Diarra, Florent Malouda, Thierry Henry (capt), Karim Benzema.
