Santini stays positive

Draw needed
France failed to produce their normally flowing football against both England and Croatia, and though the four points collected from those games have left Les Bleus needing just a draw against Switzerland on Monday to reach the quarter-finals, it has not prevented criticism from both within and outside the squad. Certainly Santini's task was not eased by comments made by left-back Bixente Lizarazu questioning the coach's tactics.

'My way'
Santini, however, was giving no ground on Sunday. "I have my own method," he said. "If some players want to express themselves in the media, that is their right. They are professionals so they take their responsibilities. But those who speak [to the media] are under pressure."

'More spontaneous'
Santini admitted his side have yet to live up to expectations. "France are not quick enough, we should be more spontaneous," he said, adding towards sections of the French media: "I do not have the same view as yours. There is a gap between what you tell me and what we see inside the French group."

'Discussing tactics'
Santini was referring in particular to a meeting called between members of his team as the search continues for a way to get the best out of his side. "I have been discussing tactics for two years with the players," he said.

'More commanding'
Captain Marcel Desailly said: "There are no polemics. France has to defend better, apply more pressure and find more space for Thierry [Henry]. We want a more commanding and dynamic team. That is a positive thing that we can all discuss together."

'Calm and confident'
Despite only needing a draw to advance, Santini is hoping for a positive performance against Switzerland to silence the doubters. "We want to win," he said. "We are still calm and confident. We have to be cautious, but we will attack with strength and try to score early on."

Desailly out
Santini is likely to be without Desailly. "I have not been training and I am getting older," the veteran defender said. "There is a question mark over my participation against Switzerland." Should the 35-year-old fail to return to fitness in time Santini would probably recall Lizarazu and revert to the back four that started against England.

Sagnol chance
Another option would see Willy Sagnol come in at right-back with William Gallas moving into the middle to partner Thuram. Mikaël Silvestre would drop to the bench in that scenario to protect the Manchester United FC defender from suspension because he has already been booked once in the group stage.

Makelele returns
Chelsea FC midfield player Claude Makelele has recovered from the shoulder injury that kept him out of the draw with Croatia and returns in place of Olivier Dacourt. Arsenal FC winger Robert Pires is also expected to start.