Blanc set to start without M’Vila

France coach Laurent Blanc says Yann M’Vila has returned to fitness following his ankle injury, but said he was unlikely to start tonight’s opener against England.

M’Vila had been expected to miss out with the injury, which he sustained in the 2-0 friendly win over Serbia on May 31, but Blanc said he stood a chance of being named in the team.

“For Yann M’Vila, Blaise Matuidi and Steve Mandanda, the news is pretty reassuring,” said Blanc.

“That’s to say that they will train with the group tonight (Sunday). The medical staff have done remarkably well to get them back as quickly as possible.”

He added: “The three players are ready to train but there’s also a risk. But if you worry about risks too much, you’ll finish the Euro without having used any of those players.

“Our objective is to pick the best team possible. I think it’ll be hard for those three to start, but they should be in the squad.”

With M’Vila expected to start on the bench, Alou Diarra is set to continue to deputise for him in the holding midfield role.

Head coach Blanc has often tried to play down where France currently stand on the footballing ladder, particularly after the unrest surrounding the squad at the 2010 World Cup.

Blanc said: “The French team don’t have the same ambitions as Spain or Germany at the start of these European Championships. France, in terms of their results over the last few years, have not allowed us to retain our place in European or world football.

“People say I often bring this up, but it’s the reality. People say we’re favourites in the group, but I don’t agree. We were in the fourth pot in the draw, and that means something. It’s an open group. France, England, Ukraine and Sweden can all legitimately believe they can get into the latter stages.”