France coach Jacques Santini has opted for England-based Louis Saha and Sylvain Wiltord to boost his attacking potential at the Euro 2004 finals next month.
Santini surprised journalists and fans by announcing his squad for Euro 2004 on Tuesday.
With Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet undisputed first choices, the players picked to assist them were the only doubts left.
Saha, who reached a new level by moving from Fulham to Manchester United this season, won Santini's vote. The coach also kept faith with Wiltord, even though the Arsenal player seldom played for the English champions this season because of injury.
Santini also retained Olympique Marseille Steve Marlet, a player he has often picked against all odds.
The choices were made at the expense of two Olympique Lyon strikers, Sidney Govou and Peguy Luyindula. The pair were shunned even though they helped their team to win their third Ligue 1 title in succession.
Santini always made it clear that Manchester City's Nicolas Anelka would not be on the list.
By contrast, Monaco midfielders Ludovic Giuly and Jerome Rothen took advantage of the brilliant Champions League campaign by the principality team and will be in Portugal.
Other leading absentees are AJ Auxerre's defender Philippe Mexes and Werder Bremen midifielder Johan Micoud.
© 2024 Rediff.com -