Ben Arfa: France are more than just the '1987 Generation'

Hatem Ben Arfa believes that there is more to France than just the '1987 Generation' who have recently emerged in the national team.

The 24-year-old, along with Karim Benzema, Jeremy Menez and Samir Nasri, have been identified as the key personnel to fire the country to glory at Euro 2012 this summer.

However, while he freely admits that he enjoys playing alongside the trio on international duty, it would be wrong to think that les Bleus lack strength in depth.
“We know each other well," Ben Arfa told reporters. "It is a pleasure playing with them, but the French team is not only the '1987 Generation'."

Coach Laurent Blanc also acknowledged the individual qualities of the select group, but insisted his France team are still a work in progress ahead of the European Championships.

"The potential must be seen on the scoreboard," said the former Bleus defender. "We have talented players who are even making efforts to defend.

"However, they do not [perform their defensive duties] very well because they are not accustomed to each other yet.

"We have to work in this area in order to create a more balanced team."

France face Group D rivals England in their first match on June 11.