Gallas relishing England clash

France’s Arsenal defender William Gallas is relishing the rivalry which will inevitably prevail in this week’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 told L’Equipe.

“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 yesterday 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.

“Domenech has been building his squad for a while now. He has a team in his head, and you have to know how to accept it.

“As far as I am concerned, I am always available for duty with the national team. In these months I have been absent, I haven’t said anything else.

“People tried to make me react to the choices of the coach. But my only response has been on the pitch, in my displays for my club.”

Trezeguet, who has scored 34 goals in 70 matches for France, gets his chance this week only because both Benzema (knee) and Henry (back) have pulled out.

The pair join a lengthening absentee list that already includes captain Patrick Vieira (thigh), Louis Saha (hamstring), Mathieu Valbuena (groin), Karim Benzema (knee), Bacary Sagna (ankle) and Sebastien Frey (gastroenteritis).

Les Bleus’ starting team should still look strong on paper, though.

In Vieira’s absence, Claude Makelele should be partnered by Lyon anchor man Jeremy Toulalan in central midfield – while Florent Malouda and the in-form Franck Ribery should be on the wings.

Lilian Thuram and Gallas will form a strong central-defensive axis, between full-backs Eric Abidal and Francois Clerc.

Lyon’s Gregory Coupet will be in goal.

France will be looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Spain in their last friendly.

Domenech is not concerned just yet about the growing injury list he has been confronted with as he begins final preparations for Euro 2008.

“We are at the end of March,” he said.

“At the moment, it isn’t worrying. In April or May, it could become so.

“I can only make my plans when I have all the information in front of me. For the time being, I haven’t.”