Gallas: England clash more than a friendly

FRANCE’S Arsenal defender William Gallas is relishing the rivalry which will inevitably prevail in tonight’s friendly against England in Paris.

France have been hit hard by injuries – former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry among those who have pulled out – but none of that will water down the intent on Wednesday.

Gallas for one can hardly wait.

“We know it is always a bit more tense between the English and the French,” the Gunners captain said.

“We appreciate each other but we always want to show that we are better than them.

“The stakes will be high; the stadium will be full – and in our heads, we can’t just consider this as simply a friendly.

“For players who have played in England or who are still there, it is always an added motivation.”

David Trezeguet has, meanwhile, dismissed the theory that his chances of making France’s Euro 2008 squad are dependent on his display against England.

The Juventus striker was called up on Tuesday as a replacement for the injured Karim Benzema, and is expected to start up front alongside Nicolas Anelka at the Stade de France.

Trezeguet appears to be behind Thierry Henry, Anelka and Benzema in coach Raymond Domenech’s pecking order among the strikers – and his refusal to play for France’s ‘A’ team means he has missed out on selection for recent squads.

His last appearance for his country came in the 1-0 defeat to Scotland in a Euro 2008 qualifier in Paris in September.

The England game is France’s final friendly before Domenech names his 23-man squad for this summer’s European Championships. But Trezeguet, joint top-scorer in Serie A this season, does not see the match as make or break.

“Even if this is the last game before the squad of 23 is announced, I don’t feel I have to play a big match against England,” he said. ‘‘It isn’t just based on this match that I am going to figure in the list or not.’’