This is more than just a friendly, says Gallas

William Gallas maintains France are treating tonight's match against England as more than just a friendly.

The clash at the Stade de France will be Les Bleus' last before coach Raymond Domenech names his 23-man squad for this summer's European Championships.

They will be looking to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat by Spain last month but there will be added spice due to so many of the French squad playing - or having played - in the Premier League.

Arsenal skipper Gallas is one of those and he said: "It is always a bit more tense between the English and the French. We appreciate each other but we want to show we are better.

"The stakes will be high, the stadium will be full. And in our heads, we can't just consider this as simply a friendly. For players who have played in England or who are still there, it is an added motivation."

Other Premier League players set to take some part in tonight's match include Claude Makelele, Florent Malouda, Patrice Evra, Nicolas Anelka and Mathieu Flamini.

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry will miss the match through injury. His absence has boosted David Trezeguet's hopes of playing some part tonight, seven months on from his last appearance for his country when they were famously beaten by Scotland.

The Juventus striker has dismissed the theory his chances of making France's Euro 2008 squad are dependent on his display tonight.

"Even if this is the last game before the squad is announced, I don't feel I have to play a big match," said Trezeguet. "It isn't just based on this match that I will figure in the list."