Desailly probably on the bench

France coach Jacques Santini hinted on Wednesday that captain Marcel Desailly would be left on the bench for the Euro 2004 Group B match against England on Sunday.

Santini did not play Desailly in the 1-0 win over Ukraine at the weekend. The central defender, 36 in September, has nursed a knee injury since the 0-0 draw against Brazil last month.

"There is still some time to make up my mind but I would say that there will be between zero and three changes from the team who played against Ukraine last week," Santini told a press conference.

Juventus striker David Trezeguet, who is recovering from an ankle injury, could be fit in time to start in place of Manchester United's Louis Saha, Santini said.

Asked if Desailly would be a substitute on Sunday, Santini said: "Sometimes, you have to find the right words when you talk in private to someone as what you are going to tell him will represent a major disappointment for him.

"The team you saw playing against Ukraine can give you the frame of the one which is going to start on Sunday."

The French coach was delighted with the performance of the central defensive pairing of Juventus's Lilian Thuram and Manchester United's Mikael Silvestre against Ukraine.

GREAT EXPERIENCE

Santini, learning from his predecessor Aime Jacquet, has always considered a strong defence vital. He is also very reluctant to make last minute changes to his plans.

France last conceded a goal in June 2003 and have gone 11 games with their goal intact. Desailly, a World Cup winner in 1998, is set to retire after the tournament.

"He is still the same character," said William Gallas, who played at right back against Ukraine. "He talks a lot with the younger ones. He can bring a lot of experience.

"If he is not playing against England it won't change a thing. He is still our captain. We have still a lot to learn from him.

Santini will not announce whether Desailly will play until Saturday's news conference. According to UEFA regulations, the captain of the team who is going to play the following day has to be present.