In-form Ribery excited for England opener

7 June 2012 04:26

France's Franck Ribery is raring to go for their Euro 2012 opener with England, after scoring three Les Bleus goals in as many games.

While admitting that their form stood them in good stead to see off their channel rivals, the 29-year-old midfielder also felt the need to remind his team-mates their 21-match unbeaten streak in international matches did not guarantee them progression into the knockout rounds.

"Our victories have been good for our confidence, and will help us prepare for the match against England," Ribery told L'Equipe.

"I am finally beginning to show what I am fully capable of with the national team, and with Benzema alongside me, we are capable of anything. I'm really happy with how things work between everyone.

"Our first objective will be to progress to the knockout stages of Euro 2012. To do so, we will have to defeat England.

"There is a long time to prepare for the game, and we will use it to get used to our training camp and train well."

Les Bleus have been drawn in Group D alongside Roy Hodgson's side, as well as Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine.