Fabio Capello and Raymond Domenech both endured miserable 2010 World Cup campaigns, with England and France respectively, but the similarity ends there because only the Italian is still in his job (Capello 1/20 to guide England to Euro 2012).
That the unpopular Domenech was actually still in charge of Les Bleus in South Africa baffled many onlookers given the fact France – the 1998 world champions – were forced to qualify via the play-offs – who could forget the Thierry Henry handball against the plucky Irish in Paris?
However, the former Lyon chief announced before the World Cup that he would be stepping down – he surely would have been sacked anyway post-tournament – which made him a lame-horse boss unable to work closely with his players.
Laurent Blanc was the choice to replace Domenech and it is the decorated former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Manchester United defender who will lead France into battle against Capello’s England at Wembley on Wednesday night.
Blanc’s status – he won 97 caps for his country over an 11-year spell – meant he was always going to be given time to work his magic and France top their Euro 2012 qualifying group having taken nine points from their four games so far.
England are also ticking over nicely in second place in Group G, three points behind surprise leaders Montenegro who have played a game more than the Three Lions.
The forthcoming midweek friendly in London pits international managers against each other who are at very different stages in their respective career because Blanc is 44, while Capello, 64, will retire when his deal expires in 2012.
The England squad was hit by three withdrawals at the weekend in the shape of John Terry, Ashley Cole and Gabriel Agbonlahor – Gary Cahill, Stephen Warnock and Carlton Cole have all now been called up – to add to high-profile absentees including Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe and Frank Lampard.
Up front that means Peter Crouch with 41 international caps is the elder statesman and almost certain to start as he bids to add to his tally of 21 England goals.
With England the home side they will be looking to start on the front foot and 6/1 for Spurs man Crouch to get the better of a defence that could include Arsenal duo Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna.
Should Crouch need any further incentive then the chance to strike an early psychological blow ahead of the north London derby against the Gunners at the Emirates would not go unnoticed by his club boss Harry Redknapp.
The beanpole striker could be partnered with Newcastle sensation Andy Carroll – fitness permitting for the youngster – and Crouch would surely thrive alongside another big forward.
As depleted as England’s option are in attack, France’s striking options don’t look a whole lot better as, 31-cap Karim Benzeman aside, Blanc’s other three hitmen – Kevin Gameiro, Guillaume Hoarau and Loic Remy – ‘boast’ just nine caps and one goal between them. For the record Remy – 3/1 to score anytime – has the goal.
Like Crouch, Benzema is sure to start at Wembley and while he is just into double figures in international goals, carrying the burden of his country at the age of 22 is a big ask for a player yet to convince since joining Real Madrid.
In the absence of Franck Ribery, much will rest on the shoulders of Chelsea star Florent Malouda who jointly leads the Premier League goalscoring charts (Malouda 18/1 to get his nose in front by the end of the season).
Malouda is likely to relish the chance to run at a defence lacking club-mates Cole and Terry and 25/1 for the 30-year-old to score two or more goals looks tempting despite the fact he only has five strikes to his name in 61 games.
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