France working hard to win again

France are the only European nation - other than the defunct Soviet Union - to have won the FIFA U-17 World Cup and coach François Blaquart has been working hard to ensure a repeat of their 2001 success in the Korea Republic.

Nigeria studied
Pipped in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship last four by England, France at least earned their first entry into the global tournament since their success six years ago and begin their campaign on Sunday against the nation they beat in that final, fellow past winners Nigeria. Blaquart said: "Thanks to our video service at French FA and our contacts elsewhere, we have managed to watch Nigeria's qualifiers. They are our first opponents and have had plenty of success in youth football. We must be wary of them."

Preparations
Blaquart, whose team also meet Haiti and Japan, gathered his squad for two training camps this month, but emphasised: “Most of the preparations have been done in conjunction with the clubs. We ensured that players would at least prepare with their senior reserve teams.” The 30-man party has been cut to 21 with eight players not picked for the 18-strong European selection replacing five who were in Belgium, notably Fabrice N'Sakala and Omar Benzerga.

Le Tallec tradition
However, there are some familiar figures from May including a talented defence including Mamadou Sakho, who has played in the UEFA Cup for Paris Saint-Germain FC, FC Girondins de Bordeaux's Mathieu Saunier and FC Nantes Atlantique's Aristote Lusinga. Leading the line again will be Stade Rennais FC forward Damien Le Tallec, whose brother Anthony was in France’s winning 2001 squad, scoring in the final against Nigeria.