Weather Tonight: 4°c Partly Cloudy Night Morning: 8°c Cloudy

Sport

William Gallas
French polish: William Gallas says playing in England gives him an extra motivation to do well

This is more than just a friendly, says Gallas

Ian Chadband, Chief Sports Correspondent
26 Mar 2008


William Gallas maintains France are treating tonight's match against England as more than just a friendly.

The clash at the Stade de France will be Les Bleus' last before coach Raymond Domenech names his 23-man squad for this summer's European Championships.

They will be looking to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat by Spain last month but there will be added spice due to so many of the French squad playing - or having played - in the Premier League.

Arsenal skipper Gallas is one of those and he said: "It is always a bit more tense between the English and the French. We appreciate each other but we want to show we are better.

"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 an added motivation."

Other Premier League players set to take some part in tonight's match include Claude Makelele, Florent Malouda, Patrice Evra, Nicolas Anelka and Mathieu Flamini.

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry will miss the match through injury. His absence has boosted David Trezeguet's hopes of playing some part tonight, seven months on from his last appearance for his country when they were famously beaten by Scotland.

The Juventus striker has dismissed the theory his chances of making France's Euro 2008 squad are dependent on his display tonight.

"Even if this is the last game before the squad is announced, I don't feel I have to play a big match," said Trezeguet. "It isn't just based on this match that I will figure in the list."

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.


 

 

  • Chris Robshaw to captain England for rest of Six Nations Chris Robshaw Chris Robshaw will lead England for the rest of the Six Nations after winning his two games as captain
  • Thierry Henry set for final game for Arsenal against AC Milan Thierry Henry Thierry Henry will play his final game for Arsenal at the San Siro with manager Arsene Wenger wishing he could stay for longer
  • I've played at Wembley, thanks to the JLS boys Phillips Idowu Phillips Idowu exclusive: JLS are a cool bunch of guys, I've got all their albums and I've followed them closely since The...
  • Chelsea stars say 'get Guus ­Hiddink in now' Guus ­Hiddink Senior Chelsea players want Guus ­Hiddink to return to Stamford Bridge as manager and save the club's season
  • Robin Van Persie has score to settle on his return to big stage Arsenal players Arsenal striker was harshly sent off this time last year but a brilliant run of form since has put him in a perfect position to put his...
  • England's luck is in as Charlie Hodgson leads the charge Charlie Hodgson Fly-half never gave up on Test career and that spirit is serving the team well
  • Shed tears for taxpayers not Rangers fans Rangers Ibrox Patrick Barclay: Administration is no fun for any club but it is still a relatively easy way out for the owners and...
  • Sean Dyche delighted with Valentine's Day victory for hard-working Watford Craig Forsyth Watford boss Sean Dyche hailed the Hornets' team spirit as they made it 10 points from 12 to continue their upward movement in the...
  • Alan Curbishley is No1 choice for Wolves Alan Curbishley Alan Curbishley is due to be interviewed for the job of Wolves manager
  • Javier Hernandez ready to embrace Europa League Javier Hernandez It might be a Thursday night on Channel Five - but Manchester United's clash with Ajax does sound like a Champions League game
  •