Domenech: English test crucial March 19 2008
Raymond Domenech says next week's international friendly against England will be vital to France's Euro 2008 preparations.
Les Bleus will play a double-header against Mali and England next Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, before taking on Ecuador, Paraguay and Columbia in the space of eight days just before the start of Europe's showpiece tournament.
There is no doubt in the 56-year-old's mind which game is the most important for his much-fancied outfit.
"For me, the three friendly matches before the European Championships kick off will serve as preparation," he said.
"But that is not the case against England. Against the English, we will have to put ourselves in a situation as if we are competing in the Euros."
France, World Cup finalists in 2006, will be one of the favourites for the title in Austria and Switzerland this summer.
But the former Lyon boss admits things are not going completely according to plan ahead of the Euros.
Asked what clouds are hovering over him in the run-up to the tournament, he told French daily L'Equipe: "Who will be in the squad. The 1-0 defeat to Spain (last month). Not having scored a goal in two games, in the senior and 'A' teams.
"The clouds are also over our preparation time. The players end their domestic season on May 24 and play their first game of the Euros on June 9.
"So with all this happening, the Euros are not approaching under the best conditions. I want everybody to be conscious of that."
Domenech said he would probably announce his 23-man squad for the Euros on May 9 or 10.
He will name on Thursday an enlarged 36-man squad for next Tuesday's 'A' international against Mali and the full international against England the following day.