France aren't a top nation - Blanc

Laurent Blanc insists France are no longer a major footballing power ahead of their meeting with England in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier in Donetsk. Head coach Blanc has often tried to play down where France currently stand on the footballing ladder, particularly after the unrest surrounding the squad at the 2010 World Cup. But to make such an admission after a 21-game unbeaten run and on the eve of France's first match represented a surprise and Blanc does not believe his side are even favourites to qualify. Blanc said: "The French team don't have the same ambitions as Spain or Germany at the start of these European Championships. "France, in terms of their results over the last few years, have not allowed us to retain our place in European or world football. "People say I often bring this up, but I don't do that because I like to. It's the reality. People say we're favourites in the group, but I don't agree with that. "We were in the fourth pot in the draw, and that means something. It's an open group. France, England, Ukraine and Sweden can all legitimately believe they can get into the latter stages. "We are at the same level as the other sides. We hope to get through and...