Santini closes French door on Anelka

THE seemingly endless debate over whether Nicolas Anelka should be recalled to the France squad took another twist yesterday with Les Bleus coach Jacques Santini accusing the Manchester City striker of damaging his side’s bid to win Euro 2004.

Anelka, who has 28 caps, has been ignored by Santini since he refused a call-up for a friendly against Yugoslavia in November 2002.

And despite hints from the 24-year-old that he may now be ready to return, Santini closed the door in emphatic fashion as he named his squad for next week's clash with Belgium in Brussels.

In stark contrast, Manchester United's new striker, Louis Saha, gets his first call-up, along with Lyon's Peguy Luyindula.

Santini has also recalled midfielders Jerome Rothen and former Leeds star Olivier Dacourt, now with Roma.

France have five friendlies left ahead of the Euro 2004 finals on Portugal against Belgium, Holland (March 31), world champions Brazil (May 20), Andorra (May 28) and Ukraine (June 6).