Starburst at Stadium of Light

France will tread warily to minimise the risk of a repeat of WC 2002; England will do so because they know that to play an open game against the French is to invite danger. For both sides, the key will be the midfield: France have the world’s best but England can run them close. Lampard and Makalele cancel each other out and Gerrard will relish the task of crunching into Vieira.

The variables lie on the flanks. Pires will be in less familiar ground on France’s right (he plays on the left for Arsenal) and will be up against Scholes, equally new in his role. Across the pitch, Zidane will be plying his sorcery which Beckham will try and put out.

Where both teams are weak is defence. France have dropped their skipper, the ageing Desailly, in deference to the pace of Owen, and should instead play Gallas. England have had a change forced on them, Terry’s injury bringing in King (as is likely); not a bad replacement because King kept Henry on a leash in their last club match.

Up front Henry and Trezeguet, friends since boyhood, are a far more potent threat than the Scouser pair of Owen and Rooney. Though the latter may decide this is the time to announce himself to the world, as Owen did in France six years ago.

In terms of confience there isn’t much to choose between them. France will be weighed down by the memories of Korea, though it will be balanced by the confidence Henry, Pires and Vieira bring with them from their domestic season. Scholes and Neville, though, have the knowledge that they were in the last team to beat the Arsenal trio — in the FA Cup semi-final.

Given the way this tournament began, though, anything is possible. As radio commentators would say, ‘‘On the night…’’

Don’t miss it for the world.