France’s striking stars face Blanc bullet

NEW France coach Laurent Blanc has laid down the law to the senior players behind the strike action at the World Cup and will meet with them in the next few days to determine their international futures.

Blanc was unveiled as Raymond Domenech’s replacement yesterday and wasted little time in making major changes in the international set-up. His first action was to re-instate Henri Emile as general manager, the role he took when Les Bleus, with Blanc in the side, won the 1998 World Cup.

Blanc broke his silence on his feelings about France’s behaviour in South Africa and the four players reported to be at the forefront of the strike action ­ Patrice Evra, Franck Ribery, Eric Abidal and William Gallas ­ are all likely to miss out on a call-up for France’s friendly against Norway next month. The latter two may never play under Blanc though the former pair may get another chance. “In future I will pick the best players available in terms of ability, team spirit and mentality,” he said.