Ribéry rises to challenge

Ribéry outstanding
Ribéry was France's outstanding performer throughout the two-legged tie, but it was his reaction to falling behind in the second half at the Stade Marcel Picot on Tuesday that won him most praise. England looked on course for next summer's finals when Darren Bent gave the visitors a 2-1 aggregate lead on 55 minutes, but France levelled four minutes later thanks to a superb individual effort from Ribéry. The former FC Metz playmaker jinked into space outside the area and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot across Scott Carson into the bottom corner.

Livewire
Ribéry was a livewire in the closing stages and it came as little surprise when England's defence creaked again four minutes from time, Jimmy Briand converting a penalty after Lassana Diarra had been tripped. As the players lifted Ribéry aloft after the final whistle, France coach René Girard was quick to single the diminutive dynamo.

'Higher level'
"I want to thank Ribéry for the two performances he turned in against England," Girard said. He may find himself without the talented 22-year-old next summer after urging Les Bleus boss Raymond Domenech to include him in the FIFA World Cup squad. "He deserves to be called up without a doubt," Girard said. "That isn't so much of an issue for us now we have qualified. We don't know if he'll play for us again in the future because he's already capable of playing at a higher level."

Deserves a chance
Rio Antonio Mavuba is the only member of Girard's selection to have represented the senior side. And while the FC Girondins de Bordeaux midfielder did his chances of another promotion no harm with two combative showings against England, he too is backing Ribéry for a call-up. "The coach will make his choice," Mavuba said. "If Franck is not with us for the European Championship it would be a shame because he gives us so much. But I really think he deserves to be with the senior team. We'll see what happens."

Revelation
Ribéry has been a revelation for Marseille this season, having moved to the Stade Vélodrome in the summer after six months in Turkey with Galatasaray SK. With Zinedine Zidane injured, and Robert Pirès and Johan Micoud out of favour, France struggled to create chances in their friendly stalemate against Germany last weekend. In light of Ribéry's consistently impressive contributions, many fans are wondering why he has not been given his opportunity already.

Calm head
The player himself is refusing to heed the hype. "Everyone is talking to me about the senior team, but I'm not letting that distract me," he said. "Of course I hope to play for France one day but I'll just carry on playing like I have been with the U21s without asking too many questions."

French hope
Of Tuesday's victory, Ribéry added: "I'm really happy. I gave my all, just like I do in every match with Marseille. I really enjoy playing for Les Espoirs and it won't be a disappointment if I end up playing in the European Championship. If I go, I'll do my best to help France win." With Ribéry in this kind of form, they would have every chance.