Henry plays down Dublin clash

Although the pressure is mounting on France to reach the World Cup finals, striker Thierry Henry believes victory over the Republic of Ireland is not essential in their quest to qualify for next summer’s event.

Les Bleus, who defeated the Faroe Islands 3-0 in Lens at the weekend, are one of three teams tied at the top of Group 4 on 13 points along with Switzerland and Ireland – the side they will face in Dublin on Wednesday.