International Friendly: England vs France - Combined XI
In a game which is meant to be a strong reply to the terrorist attacks on Paris, England will take on France at Wembley in a friendly. All 23 France players have travelled to London to face England in their friendly after turning down the option to withdraw following the Paris massacre.Former Les Bleus Midfielder Lassana Diarra’s cousin was one of the 129 people killed on Friday, while forward Antoine Griezmann's sister escaped from the Bataclan theatre where 89 of those people died. Both players were involved at the time in France's friendly against Germany at the Stade de France, which was also targeted by terrorists.Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps offered his players an option to pull out of the squad, but the French Football Federation confirmed that "all the players are coming". England manager Roy Hodgson also welcomed the decision to play the match stating the "football world is united against these atrocities". The England manager Roy Hodgson has urged fans to show their support for their French counterparts at the game.“I’m sure the England team and our fans will play their part and show solidarity with our French friends on Tuesday evening and provide support for both teams during this difficult time,” he said.We look at the best combined XI from both the available squads ahead of the game at Wembley:
#1 Goalkeeper
28-year old Joe Hart will be the man to watch out for as his side takes on the grief-stricken French side. The Manchester City shot-stopper will captain his side at Wembley.
In their last game against Spain, Hart had conceded twice, but in his defence they were two spectacular goals from Spaniards Santi Cazorla and Mario Gaspar. The two goals were very much on the ‘unstoppable’ side and Hart could do no more than being a spectator.
But facing France will be a test for the goalkeeper as Giroud and Martial, along with Griezmann and company, will be a tough test for the England number one. There has also been talk in the British press of Roy Hodgson giving an opportunity to the in-form Jack Butland.
Hart will be determined to set the records straight, with a convincing performance against the high-flying French. A victory and a clean sheet for Joe Hart could also guarantee the home supporters’ faith in their side, as the defeat to Spain created question marks over England’s ability to beat the best in Europe. Hart’s ability to produce marvellous saves at crucial times in the game is also of importance as France boast of red-hot strikers in Giroud, Martial and Gignac.
The game against France will be Hart’s 57th for England and should be a proper test of Hart’s ability to lead his side against the challenge of high-profile teams and his ability to perform in the same vein when the tournament proper gets off the ground.