Intro:

England head coach Roy Hodgson believes France's outstanding form ahead of Euro 2012 will count for little when the two countries clash in Donetsk on Monday (June 11).

Script:

England head coach Roy Hodgson believes France's outstanding form ahead of Euro 2012 will count for little when the two countries clash in Donetsk on Monday (June 11).

France have recovered in spectacular style after the unrest surrounding the squad at the 2010 World Cup and are unbeaten in their last 21 internationals.

However Hodgson says it's all about taking each game as they come.

SOUNDBITE (English): Roy Hodgson, England coach:

"It is a stern challenge then, there is no question about that. We are facing a team who, as you rightly say are in excellent form. And 21 matches unbeaten at any level of football, let alone international football, is a fine achievement. But I think when you come to European Championships or World Cups, to some extent having good form or bad form is not necessarily the factor that is going to be decisive. It is how you play on the night."

England go into the tournament after a string of injuries to experienced players and few expect them to return from Ukraine with the trophy.

Despite the low expectations and a constant reference to their only World Cup win in 1966, Hodgson says England has always been a football powerhouse.

SOUNDBITE (English): Roy Hodgson, England coach:

"You know, during the centuries I don't think we could ever be accused of not being a very serious - and even a top - football nation. The fact of course that you are referring to is that it is 1966 since we won a major football tournament - we are very, very much aware of that. You know, you did not actually need to remind me because that has actually crossed my mind on one or two occasions. But how good we are as a nation, how good we will be as a nation, will always be decided on the field of play."

England take on France in their Group D opener on Monday (11th June).