• Euro 2012

Blanc: England game not decisive

ESPN staff
June 11, 2012
Laurent Blanc is ready to take on England © Getty Images
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Laurent Blanc has insisted his side will not be drawn into a counter-attacking battle with England in a game the France coach does not feel is pivotal.

France and England get their Euro 2012 campaigns underway in Donetsk on Monday, with many favouring a Bleus side who are on a 21-game unbeaten run. England have not impressed during the build up and have had a string of injuries to contend with, meaning expectation is low, but Blanc still fears the Three Lions.

It is likely England will sit back and hit France on the break and Blanc will impress upon his players the need to stick to their own gameplan.

"I hope the side that plays more football will win but it's not always the case," Blanc said. "There'll be two very different footballing philosophies on show."

Blanc had a spell in the Premier League with Manchester United and he feels it has given him an insight into how English players tick.

He said: "Essentially, the fact I played in England for two years means I know the English players' mentality. I know what to expect from England in terms of spirit and strength in the tackles.

"We've watched their last two friendly games. If they play in the same way they'll drop back, have a bank of four with some quick players and then try to hit us on the break.

"We need to be wary of that and make sure we're not caught off guard. If there's space in behind, they'll counter-attack. Steven Gerrard is a great passer of the ball, too."

Blanc does not subscribe to the view that the game between France and England is win or bust.

He said: "We've stored up a lot of confidence recently and that's great for the side and the squad. Everyone says the first game is important but it won't be decisive. The European Championships won't end for a team after this match, as the other two group matches will be even more important."

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