Gallas Appointed As France Vice Captain
Arsenal skipper William Gallas has been appointed France vice-captain by Les Bleus boss Raymond Domenech ahead of this evening’s game against Sweden.
Former Gunners’ striker Thierry Henry has been made captain in a bid to lift the team after their flop at Euro 2008.
France were criticised for an unadventurous style of play and a reclusive lifestyle during Euro 2008, where they took only one point from three games, scoring one goal.
Henry has already worn the armband for France in previous matches, notably during the summers Championships when Patrick Vieira was out through injury.
“It is a great responsibility. I have a duty. There is a new generation but we always need someone to lead the way. I have a lot of experience at the highest level. I know this new generation very well, I have always felt young in my mind,” he said.
“It is a challenge. It does not scare me.” As for the task in hand after France’s failure at Euro 2008, the ex-Gunners legend enthused: “It will not be easy but it is our job to win back everyone’s hearts.”
Gooner Talk will give you updates of all the players on International duty this evening with the likes of Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou in action for their respective countries.
Below are the Arsenal players involved in tonights friendlies and what teams they are playing for and against:
England: Theo Walcott – England v Czech Republic
Denmark: Nicklas Bendtner – Denmark v Spain
Switzerland: Johan Djourou – Switzerland v Cyprus
Netherlands: Robin van Persie – Russia v Netherlands
How come Cesc is fit enough to play for Spain but wasnt fit enough for us at the weekend? Or has he recovered now?
Sorry, mistake on my part John, he's out injured.
No Problems Chris just thought it was a bit strange him makin a come bk for an international. By any chance do you know if RVP is playing as he had a slight injury at the weekend?
Yep, he's been included in Bert Van Marwijk squad.
Well i just hope he doesnt now agrovate the injury as the reason he was out so much last year was an injury he got on International duty. So all Arsenal fans fingers crossed lol
haha yep.
These are the players involved tonight:
England: Theo Walcott – England v Czech Republic
Denmark: Nicklas Bendtner – Denmark v Spain
Switzerland: Philippe Senderos & Johan Djourou – Switzerland v Cyprus
Netherlands: Robin van Persie – Russia v Netherlands
Just because Van Persie didn't start doesn't mean he was injured against West Brom. Also, Netherlands v Russia should be a good grudge match after last time.
I hope Theo gets a chance off the bench to prove the doubters wrong. Also i think Djourou replaced Sendo in the squad cause of his injury might be rong though. Will be good to see Djourou play though as i thought he did really well against WBA at the weekend.
Nice one for finding out about RVP in the squad as i wasnt sure if he was. I take it that Ramsey isnt in the Welsh full squad which is a shame.
He was rested because he had a knock otherwise Bendtner would of been dropped to the bench.
I agree with you, Netherlands v Russia should be a fantastic match. Arshavin, Huntelaar, van Persie, Zhirkov all in action.
Ramsey is in the Wales Under 21 squad for tonight mate.
Ramsey is in the U-21 squad because they have serious qualifiers for the Euro championships so they decided not to play him in a pointless friendly and instead help their cause to get to the finals. Senderos is injured so Djourou should probably play for Switzerland.
I
expect Sagna and Gallas will probably start against France. France has owed so much to Arsenal over the last 10 years. Just look at their three captains today, Vieira, Henry and Gallas, the former two became world class at Arsenal and Gallas plays for us right now.
Senderos has been included in Switzerland's squad, but you're right he is injured.
Djourou will start against Cyprus and Sagna could play against Sweden.
I really hope that Clichy, Sagna and Gallas play for France as they are the best in there position for there country. Also thanks for the heads up Fabregas' Dad was surprised to see that Ramsey wasnt included in the Wales full squad but now it makes sense lol
Gallas and Sagna start.
Just found out the Wales Under 21 game is live on sky so ill be watching that to see Ramsey hope he plays well.
Ramsey OK so far – cagey game so far – hope it opens up a bit. What d'you think about the Silvestre link Chris ?
Good 2 see that RVP has got a goal for Holland also good to see that Ramsey got 60 mins he was the most creative of Wales' players along with Bale.
Yes, Bale and Ramsey have done well – very unlucky to be one down they've been robbed.
Bit like us really – all the play, all the creation and the opposition nick one on the break !
Yep brilliant for him, update coming later this evening.
haha very true.
BBC says we signed silvestre
It's on Arsenal.com too