Form not key says Roy Hodgson

Eengland head coach Roy Hodgson believes France's outstanding form ahead of Euro 2012 will count for little when the two countries clash in Donetsk tonight.

France have recovered in spectacular style after the unrest surrounding the squad at the 2010 World Cup and are unbeaten in their last 21 internationals.

Hodgson has plenty of respect for Laurent Blanc's team but does not feel their record will give them a decisive advantage heading into the Group D encounter.

"It is a stern challenge," he said.

"We are facing a team in excellent form and 21 matches unbeaten at any level is a fine achievement.

"But when you come to European Championships or World Cups, having good or bad form isn't the factor that's decisive.

"It's how your team plays on the night, how people adjust to the circumstances – they'll be slightly different here in Donetsk – and it's about what you can do as a team.

"We have full respect for the French, but the players are confident in their own ability."

Hodgson is also prepared to take responsibility for what happens at Euro 2012 despite having only a month to prepare for the tournament.

He said: "Is this my England team? It's got to be.

No one expects, after three weeks, someone to have totally stamped his mark on the team.

"But I've worked with Steven Gerrard before, Glen Johnson before (at Liverpool). It's the team I pick, and the team I take responsibility for.

"It's been an exciting month, and three weeks with the team.

"The players have worked very hard and we're all very excited that the tournament begins in earnest now.

"For me, personally, it's a fantastic occasion for me to sit on the bench and watching an England team I'm responsible for."