Santini focused on England
Then under different management, then world champions France were beaten 1-0 by Senegal in Seoul and later exited the tournament without winning a game or scoring a goal.
That debacle led to the sacking of Roger Lemerre and Santini's appointment, and although the current incumbent's job is not on the line he joins Tottenham in July he knows that Sunday's showdown with England will set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Santini has made strenuous efforts to ensure the mistakes made by Lemerre are not repeated.
He has ensured that the team's physical wellbeing takes priority injuries, notably to Zinedine Zidane, contributed to the dismal show in Korea while he has also taken the advice of senior players, which is a return to a traditional French practice.
Santini has already forged an unofficial committee of senior players he calls the "group of leaders".
"It does not matter whether it is about the colour of our laces or a major tactical issue, we are open to discussion," said Santini. "The team came to me one night about a little detail and we sorted the problem out.
"I am looking at the group stage as a block of three games. But it's true that the England game has a little more spice and will condition the rest.
"It will be a special occasion for the players who play in England. For instance for Patrick Vieira it will be a different match and he will be playing against some Arsenal team-mates."
"Eriksson may, like ourselves, have one or two different ideas and little modifications are possible with regard to the opposition but not a wholesale tactical change," he said.
Keeping the players fit has been uppermost in Santini's mind and David Trezeguet came through training unscathed despite his ankle problem.
Manchester United striker Louis Saha also has a nagging Achilles tendon problem but is not a doubt for Sunday's showdown. Santini has strongly hinted that he will start with the same side that beat Ukraine 1-0 last week in Paris although there could be some modifications, especially if Trezeguet can prove his fitness.
"The team against Ukraine gives you an idea although I reserve the right to make zero to three changes," said Santini who has an unblemished record in competitive games, winning the 2003 Confederations Cup and all eight qualifiers for Euro 2004.
Saha started against Ukraine but if Trezeguet is fit that could mean that he will have to return to the bench.
Another United player, Mikael Silvestre, therefore looks set to partner Lilian Thuram in central defence with William Gallas and Bixente Lizarazu in the full-back roles in the same defence that faced Ukraine.
However, Santini left the door open for a change by refusing to answer questions about who would replace Marcel Desailly as skipper if, as expected, the Chelsea defender does not make the starting line-up.
Santini explained his approach, saying: "It's based on extreme vigilance, good athletic work and paying attention to detail. It is not like being manager of a club I have had the players together since only May 19 and time is going fast.
"At Grande-Motte (near Montpellier) and Clairefontaine we built up a team spirit. From arriving yesterday to moving into the hotel we are suddenly coming close to the England match and all three games will go very quickly.
"At a club every player has his position but here I have to decide what position to put a player."
However, Santini does not anticipate a quick return to France and insists Les Bleus are this time aiming to go the distance.
Asked when he would start thinking about his future as Tottenham boss, he said: "I hope that on the night of July 4 we will be celebrating in Lisbon with the players. That would be a way to end it."
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