Hodgson ready for France test

TodayFrance vs England18:00 SS3Ukraine vs Sweden21:00 SS3England manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed he has a fully fit squad at his disposal for his side’s opening Euro 2012 game against France.England kick-off their European Championship campaign at Donbass Arena seeking a positive result ahead of their other Group D matches against Sweden and Ukraine.There had been fitness doubts over James Milner (blisters) and John Terry (hamstring), but Hodgson has been boosted by a clean bill of health.He said at a press conference on Sunday: “Everyone is fit. I will be selecting from a fully fit squad.” When asked about the challenge ahead against France, who are unbeaten in 21 matches, he continued: “I just hope we are capable of playing the way they can do.“We see them do week in and week out in the Premier League playing to the best of their ability. My hope is they show that form individually and as a team tomorrow and in the couple of matches after that. We know it is a stern challenge. France are unbeaten in 21 games and that is some achievement.“We have full respect for the French but our players also have confidence in their own ability.”Hodgson succeeded Fabio Capello as Three Lions manager in May, leaving the former West Brom boss with little time to bed into the role.M’Vila returns for FranceFrance coach Laurent Blanc revealed on Sunday that Yann M’Vila has returned to fitness following his ankle injury, but said he was unlikely to start Monday’s opener against England.M’Vila had been expected to miss out with the injury, which he sustained in the 2-0 friendly win over Serbia on 31 May, but Blanc said he stood a chance of being named in the squad for the Group D curtain-raiser in Donetsk.“For Yann M’Vila, Blaise Matuidi and Steve Mandanda, the news is pretty reassuring,” said Blanc. “That’s to say that they will train with the group tonight (Sunday). The medical staff have done remarkably well to get them back as quickly as possible.”With M’Vila expected to start on the bench, Alou Diarra is set to continue to deputise for him in the holding midfield role.

Sports

Hodgson ready for France test