Blanc: England test a yardstick for France

It has been a horror year for the French national team, who were dumped out of the World Cup without a win in June, and suffered more ignominy after a rift between former coach Raymond Domenech and senior players was broadcasted across the globe.

Blanc has since taken over the reins and guided France to wins in their last three Euro 2012 qualifiers, but feels that the game at Wembley on Wednesday would give the truest account of how far his side have come.

“It will be quality opposition, the best team that we’ve had to play since August,” Blanc said.

“I want to receive a strong sign from the team, to see how they behave under such circumstances.”

“Through the collective effort, individual performances will be analysed … and they can show the coach that they have an international level.”

“The English are ranked above us in the FIFA standings, they are among the top ten European teams and measuring ourselves against them will be interesting.”

While the former Bordeaux manager is fully aware of the scope of the English challenge, he believes the recent improvement in his squad provides cause for optimism.

“They’ve progressed collectively, notably in the defensive domain,” Blanc said.

“For the past three matches, even if there are still things to sort out, we’re satisfied.”

“Other areas can be improved – the attack, the offensive game – we still don’t have the efficiency that we should have.”