Santini hails Henry comeback

Jacques Santini has saluted Arsenal striker Thierry Henry for showing resolve and bouncing back from his disappointing France 98 to become one of the world’s greatest players.

Henry played in the early stages of the competition but was dropped for the semi-final and final – where his side beat Brazil 3-0.

However, the 26-year-old has developed into one of the world’s top players and will spearhead the French attack at Euro 2004 in Portugal.

France coach Santini said: “Henry has the stature of a leader. He had a challenge to pick himself up after the 1998 World Cup and he became a leader after Euro 2000.

“He will have to continue to take responsibility for that role.”

Santini claimed the biggest challenge he has faced since replacing Roger Lemerre was to get the French players to get over their spectacular failure in the Far East in World Cup 2002.

Santini also gave veteran defender Marcel Desailly a timely boost ahead of next summer’s European Championships.

The 35-year-old Chelsea centre-back has been used sparingly by Blues boss Claudio Ranieri – he has not started a game since October 1 – but Santini insists his lack of competitive action is not a concern.

“I am not worried about Marcel Desailly,” he said.

“As far as I am concerned, he is getting better and I am fully aware of his capabilities.”

Ahead of France’s opening game in Portugal – against Group B rivals England on June 13 – Santini claimed Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side will have the edge over the French in terms of preparation.

“Eriksson has said he is disappointed the English league finishes on May 16, but the French league finishes on the 23rd and the German on the 24th,” he explained.

“England should have an advantage over us because his players will have more time to recuperate.”