In international terms, England remains an island of institutionalised ignorance. France are, in the opinion of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger 'five to 10 years ahead' of the rest of the world. Few expect that inside knowledge to be defied here this evening when the French play Spain in the most attractive quarter-final of Euro 2000. Les Bleus borrow team-building policies from the All Blacks. Like the best NBA basketball teams, they have a distinctive human chemistry, a multi-cultural mix.
Football is a cross between an art form and a science.
I can definitely feel an impulse,' said Lemerre, in an instinctive departure from a scholarly appraisal of his side's potential. There is something happening in this team. Some young players are confirming their talent. Others look like they are about to do it. The nation is with us, trusts us.