In Roy Hodgson's first real test since being appointed manager of England, a tough task awaits him. Defeating France will not be easy, but many are anxious to see how Hodgson's squad react to their new manager and tactics.
Group D will kick off Monday evening in Ukraine when England take on a highly motivated and dangerous French side. For Roy Hodgson, Monday's match will be a special one as it will be his first official match as England manager.
Before even traveling to Ukraine, the Three Lions had already counted out a few key figures due to unfortunate injuries. Gary Cahill was one of the most recent after suffering a jaw injury in England's last preparation match against Belgium. With Wayne Rooney also suspended, Hodgson will have some important decisions to make.
France come into this match on a 21+ match unbeaten run which is something Roy Hodgson will not take lightly. Looking at the Laurent Blanc's squad, they have the offensive power to cause problems for any world class back line. With Cahill's injury, John Terry and Joleon Lescott will likely be the starting center backs for the Three Lions. Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole also appear to have secured their spots in the England defense as well.
Having to deal with Benzema, Ribery, Nasri and even Malouda will be a serious headache for England's defense. England will likely play a more defensive role and hope to catch France on a counter-attack with Ashley Young and Theo Walcott offering the Three Lions some pace going forward.
Out of all the teams in Group D, Hodgson would have to look at the French as the strongest team. Getting a positive result in the first match could set things up for a solid finish to the group stage for England. With an entire nation hopeful that maybe Hodgson can change the English fortune, the pressure will be on.
The last time these two teams met was in 2010 at Wembley Stadium as Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena helped lead France to a 2-1 victory over England. Hodgson will be hoping that he can get his country off to a positive start in the tournament. Will the absence of Wayne Rooney hurt England's attack considering he has scored 28 goals for his country?
Before even traveling to Ukraine, the Three Lions had already counted out a few key figures due to unfortunate injuries. Gary Cahill was one of the most recent after suffering a jaw injury in England's last preparation match against Belgium. With Wayne Rooney also suspended, Hodgson will have some important decisions to make.
France come into this match on a 21+ match unbeaten run which is something Roy Hodgson will not take lightly. Looking at the Laurent Blanc's squad, they have the offensive power to cause problems for any world class back line. With Cahill's injury, John Terry and Joleon Lescott will likely be the starting center backs for the Three Lions. Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole also appear to have secured their spots in the England defense as well.
Having to deal with Benzema, Ribery, Nasri and even Malouda will be a serious headache for England's defense. England will likely play a more defensive role and hope to catch France on a counter-attack with Ashley Young and Theo Walcott offering the Three Lions some pace going forward.
Out of all the teams in Group D, Hodgson would have to look at the French as the strongest team. Getting a positive result in the first match could set things up for a solid finish to the group stage for England. With an entire nation hopeful that maybe Hodgson can change the English fortune, the pressure will be on.
The last time these two teams met was in 2010 at Wembley Stadium as Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena helped lead France to a 2-1 victory over England. Hodgson will be hoping that he can get his country off to a positive start in the tournament. Will the absence of Wayne Rooney hurt England's attack considering he has scored 28 goals for his country?
