Manchester United stint crucial against England: Blanc

DONETSK, UKRAINE – JUNE 10: The France team during a UEFA EURO 2012 training session at the Donbass Arena on June 10, 2012 in Donetsk, Ukraine.

Donetsk (Ukraine), June 11 (IANS/RIA Novosti) France coach Laurent Blanc says his two seasons as a Manchester United player has helped him to plan his tactics for his team’s match against England at Euro 2012.

France and England face off here Monday in a Group D encounter.

“I played in England for two years and I know the English player’s mentality,” Blanc said.

“I know what to expect in terms of their commitment and spirit. They are very good in this area and will be even more so tomorrow.”

The rivalry between the two countries will make England an even tougher opponent, Blanc believes.

“England are going to play a very good game,” he said.

“I know that England want to win this game, they always want to win, especially against the French, even more so. So it’s going to be difficult.”

English counterattacks are going to be biggest threat for France, the Frenchman added, especially when started by captain Steven Gerrard.

Blanc played for Manchester United between 2001 and 2003, when he retired at the age of 37.

France and England played in the same group at Euro 2004, finishing first and second after a brace of goals from Zinedine Zidane gave France a 2-1 win in their match.

In Monday’s other game, co-hosts Ukraine will play Sweden.