France Ready to Progress at Croatia's Expense

The French are likely to stick with Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet in attack as Les Bleus go for their second Group B win against Croatia, despite the potent strike force lacking punch against England on Sunday. Henry, who is yet to score for France this year, and Trezeguet, who last scored for France on the same night as Henry, in the 3-0 win over Germany last November, will lead the line in a team expected to be almost the same as that which beat England so dramatically at the weekend.

French coach Jacques Santini appeared confident ahead of the game in Leiria on Thursday. "With a success on Thursday, we will be through as Croatia and Switzerland drew in their first match. A victory for us would mean only the Swiss can make seven points at best. So with six, we would qualify."

Desailly and Makelele to return

Santini hinted that defensive stalwart Marcel Desailly could return after recovering from a knee injury to fight for a place in the French back four. The Chelsea and former AC Milan hard man told reporters: "I'm back at my best, I'm at 100 percent. I feel really good now. I'm not 26 any more and every injury requires more time. But I worked hard to be available."

Santini did not reveal whether Desailly would return to the starting line-up. "Marcel is fit to play now thanks to all the hard work he forced himself to do. We hope his injury is only a memory now," he said.

The French will also welcome back midfielder Claude Makelele who sustained a minor shoulder injury against England.

Croatia will not be easy - Santini

The reigning champions are preparing to meet a gritty Croatia team who are likely to come out fighting in a bid to remain in the tournament. "I don't know if Croatia coach Otto Baric is going to opt for a strategy similar to the one he used against the Swiss. But if so, we will have to find solutions to break the lock just like we did against England."

Croatia's assistant coach Drazen Ladic admits his countrymen will conserve energy against the holders in a bid to go for broke against England next Monday. "Our goal is to stay undefeated against France, but a couple of players that started against the Swiss will certainly miss out. We want to field our strongest team against England. A do-or-die match with England will decide who is second behind France."