Benzema: I wanted Spain in final

KAR TROUBLE ... Karim Benzema was angry at display against Sweden

KARIM BENZEMA insisted finishing behind England in Euro Group D has proved a “disaster” for France.

Les Bleus’ 2-0 defeat to Sweden on Tuesday left them in second spot — which meant they had to face Spain in the quarter-finals instead of Italy.

As the French prepare to take on the world and European champions in Donetsk tonight, striker Benzema admitted: “It’s a disaster for the French and me personally.

“I wanted to play Spain but not at this stage of the tournament. I was dreaming of playing them in the final — not now.

“Our goal was always to qualify for the knockout stages and while that has been achieved we didn’t really expect to go into the last group game and perform so badly.

“We didn’t even turn up for the match so now we have to address the situation by facing the most dangerous side in this competition.

“Hopefully this defeat will serve as a wake-up call to us. Then again we could wake up to the reality that we might be going home a lot earlier than we anticipated unless we radically improve. If we play like we did against Sweden we might as well pack our bags now.”

The Real Madrid hitman added: “If Spain watched us against Sweden it would have hardly put the fear of God into them, would it?

“I’m not sure anyone is going to give us a prayer against them. They will be red-hot favourites to eliminate us.

“After so much promise against England and Ukraine, we have really let ourselves down.

“Spain have not been performing at their best but that statement could come back to bite me because some teams get stronger and improve as the tournament unfolds.

“There is little point trying to outplay them.

“I just hope some of their players take an early vacation and don’t turn up. That would help.”