Five reasons to watch England face France
Whether it's because England's poor showing at the World Cup has left the public disillusioned or that people just care more about their clubs nowadays is unclear, but there is definitely a distinct lack of excitement surrounding Wednesday's friendly against France, despite the fixture selling out. We reckon there are at least five reasons to tune into the match though...
It's a measuring stick of France's progress
After six losses in seven, France finally appear to be moving forward after 2-0 wins against Bosnia, Romania and Luxembourg. This is their first clash with a top ten nation since the World Cup, though they have won three and drawn one of their last four against the Three Lions. Les Bleus are [3.25] to triumph.
It's an opportunity to see Blanc at work
Laurent Blanc admitted last week that the prospect of one day managing Manchester United appeals to him, so this will be a second opportunity to see the former Red Devils defender in an English dugout. It's unlikely to go any worse than the first, a 4-0 Champions League thrashing at Chelsea two years ago.
It's a chance to assess England's reserve strikers
Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Darren Bent and Bobby Zamora are all out injured, so Peter Crouch aside, the strikers used against France will be ones rarely seen in an England shirt. Jay Bothroyd is the biggest surprise, Carlton Cole earned a recall despite his poor form because of a lack of alternatives, while Andy Carroll may start if he shrugs off a groin injury.
It will be someone else playing at right back
Glen Johnson was a surprise omission from Fabio Capello's latest squad, though it's not clear whether that's because of his form or recent injury absence and the Italian has selected one-time regular Micah Richards for the first time. Johnson has become a popular scapegoat for England's failings but has been an almost ever-present, so it will be interesting to see if whoever steps in for him performs any better.
It gives the press a fresh chance to hammer Capello
Okay, it's not a reason for us to watch - it's become so relentless in recent months that much of the criticism is comical - however there's no doubt what the press agenda will be if this is anything other than a comfortable victory. A new stick to beat the nine-time title-winner with is that this could be the first time in over three years that England have gone two games without winning at Wembley.
Are there any other reasons why you're intriguing by this tie? Tell us below...
Published: 15 Nov 2010
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