Henry fires warning

After an awkward start to UEFA EURO 2004™, Thierry Henry's return to form against Switzerland bodes well for France.

Scoring touch
The ESM Golden Shoe winner was not his usual dangerous self in France's opening games against England and Croatia, but two second-half goals against the Swiss on Monday saw the striker rediscover his scoring touch and helped lift France to the top of Group B.

'Serious warning'
France coach Jacques Santini knows how important Henry's goals may prove in this tournament. "This is great both for him and for the French team," Santini said. "The fact that Henry, [David] Trezeguet and [Zinedine] Zidane have all scored during the group stage is very important. This is a serious warning for our future rivals."

Saha assist
Manchester United FC striker Louis Saha, whose flicked header supplied Henry to score his first against the Swiss, echoed the opinion of his coach. "Thierry will feel much freer in his mind," he said. Saha played his first 15 minutes in these finals against Switzerland and while eager for further action admitted he was "far behind Henry" in the pecking order.

Defensive problems
While Henry is scoring again, coach Santini's worries centre on his defence. Willy Sagnol, who broke his left arm last Monday, is out of the tournament while William Gallas strained a leg muscle in the match and Patrick Vieira also picked up a knock. Gallas's injury means Santini may turn, once again, to Marcel Desailly for Friday's quarter-final against Greece.