Blanc still wary of England - 'We also have injury problems', says France boss

Posted Monday, June 04, 2012 by skysports.com

Blanc still wary of England - 'We also have injury problems', says France boss
Laurent Blanc: Believes England have enough good players to make light of their injury problems

France coach Laurent Blanc claims Euro 2012 opponents England have the quality to overcome their injury issues.

England have endured a series of withdrawals from the squad since new boss Roy Hodgson named his 23-man list in May.

Frank Lampard, John Ruddy, Gareth Barry and Gary Cahill have all had to be replaced from the standby list, crushing belief in England ahead of the Group D clash with France on June 11th.

But Blanc, speaking after France's 2-0 victory over Serbia on Thursday, believes all teams have their difficulties going into the tournament.

"I am optimistic and satisfied considering what I saw in the first-half," said Blanc. "But again I can tell you we were not ready, notably on a physical level.

"We had an interesting first 60 minutes, notably in attack. We are improving and we should be ready on June 11th against England.

"Indeed, England can certainly come through the absences of Lampard and Barry, don't be worried. They have enough good players to make up for those absences.

"Each national team has its own problems, we have injured players, too.

"Whatever the England team will be, we know it will be difficult. And they know it will be difficult, too."