France win over England at Wembley can banish miserable World Cup memories, insists Florent Malouda

16 November 2010 12:24
Florent Malouda wants France to use their Wembley friendly with England to measure how far they have progressed since a dismal World Cup. [LNB]Les Bleus crashed out of the summer showcase in ignominious fashion as in-fighting and ill-discipline hampered their progress. [LNB]Like England, France are rebuilding now, with Laurent Blanc having replaced Raymond Domenech and a raft of new players being given their chance by the former Marseille defender. [LNB] Sacre Bleu: Dismal France crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage after a high-profile dispute between players and management[LNB]Chelsea midfielder Malouda is looking forward to Wednesday's friendly. He said: 'There are lots of games coming up in the Premier League but when you play England at Wembley, it is a big moment. [LNB]'A good performance and good result will be good for our confidence and provide a reference point to show exactly where we are as a team. [LNB]'We are on the way up and it is a moment for the youngsters in the team to create a bit of history but let's not put too much pressure on them by expecting too much too soon. [LNB]'These games against England and then Brazil, if we do well, will put us in a positive frame of mind for when the European qualifiers begin again. [LNB]'The idea is to move up the FIFA rankings and, playing and doing well against the likes of England and Brazil, is a good chance to do that.'[LNB] France have been embroiled in a row over World Cup bonuses in recent months and Malouda admits the problem has still to be resolved. He said: 'This bonus scheme has always been in place. Everyone is making too much of a fuss about it. [LNB] Call-up: Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul has joined the France squa-[LNB]'We must agree on a solution and we are close to doing that. This has been built up in the media and it is a case of us taking a responsible attitude. [LNB]'We all need to meet in private and then let people know what's happened. But the main thing is we show our fans we care about playing for France. We want to do the business on the field at the time of a rebirth of French football.'[LNB]Meanwhile Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul has been drafted into the France squad for Wednesday's friendly.[LNB]The 24-year-old has been called up by Blanc as cover for Roma centre-back Philippe Mexes, who picked up a calf injury at the weekend.[LNB]Kaboul made 18 appearances for France Under 21s but has yet to earn his first cap at senior level.[LNB]The former Portsmouth and Auxerre defender joins Malouda and Arsenal trio Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri as the English-based contingent in Blanc's selection.[LNB][LNB] John Terry injury shock: Chronic leg nerve problem may rule Chelsea captain out for monthsCarroll still in the England running as Capello gives striker time to recoverEngland v France at Wembley gives the FA 90,000 reasons to cheer Sacre Bleu! France have no great players anymore, admits boss Blanc  [LNB]  Explore more:People: Raymond Domenech, Younes Kaboul, Bacary Sagna Places: France, United Kingdom, Brazil

Source: Daily_Mail