MATCH 04 PREVIEW : FRIENDS REUNITED IN LISBON

Points to prove
Friendly rivalry is the leitmotif as Sven-Göran Eriksson's team aim to prove that they are genuine contenders for ultimate success against a French side eager to show that their 2002 FIFA World Cup debacle was an aberration.

Club connections
With 24 players potentially taking on at least one club colleague, and six of the likely French starting eleven playing in England, familiarity has bred respect. Star strikers Michael Owen and Thierry Henry exemplify this. "I've got the utmost respect for Thierry Henry," said Owen. "I don't think there's anyone like him in the world on last season's form." The Arsenal FC forward responded: "Owen is an outstanding player. He can do things that I will never be able to do."

Santini factor
The departure of Jacques Santini after EURO 2004™ for English club Tottenham Hotspur FC adds further intrigue to the match, but the France coach remains firmly focused. "The decision I made won't distract me from the task in hand; far from it, it will only intensify my desire to do well. I want to finish on a high note," he said. Yet he can expect no favours from Eriksson, who said: "The confidence in our squad is very high and this is a good, good opportunity to show we are a great football nation."

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