The motivation for England's players will be obvious when they run out at the Stade de France this evening, with even Rio Ferdinand guaranteed at least to try to concentrate for 90 minutes, and the good news for those hoping for an entertaining match is that France have plenty to play for as well.

This evening's match represents Les Bleus' last opportunity to impress before Raymond Domenech names his 23-man squad for this summer's European Championship finals, while, as William Gallas pointed out yesterday, the tradition of Anglo-Franco rivalry should also ensure a competitive edge. A friendly international in March cannot be characterised as either side's Waterloo, although centuries of conflict do not disappear easily.

“We know it is always a bit more tense between the English and the French,” Gallas said. “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.”

Gallas's place remains secure despite his poor recent form for Arsenal, when he has appeared more likely to win a popularity contest among his old fans at Stamford Bridge than a header in his own penalty area, although others are not so fortunate, with a spate of injuries giving tonight's encounter the feeling of a trial for the home side.

Thierry Henry, Louis Saha, Karim Benzema, Patrick Vieira, and Bacary Sagna are missing, presenting opportunities for others, most notably David Trézéguet. The Juventus striker has not played for his country since the 1-0 defeat by Scotland in September, with his present standing illustrated in that he is still likely to start as a substitute, but insists this will not be his last chance to impress Domenech.

“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,” Trézéguet 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.”

Domenech remains relaxed about France's injury problems, though, conceding that his line-up may alter as the tournament approaches. “We are at the end of March, so at the moment it isn't worrying,” he said. “But in April or May, it could become so.”

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