Makelele warns against complacency

France's sights are set on achieving a morale-boosting victory against Malta ahead of their match against Israel in Palermo on Wednesday.

According to widespread reports in the French media, Jacques Santini will field a three-pronged attack tonight, consisting of Arsenal striking duo Thierry Henry and Sylvain Wiltord and Fulham's Steve Marlet.

In the absence of Marcel Desailly, midfield maestro Zinedine Zidane has been named captain but it is Patrick Vieira of Arsenal who is being mentioned as the long-term skipper of the French team. Vieira may be rested for the match against Malta as Santini is already thinking about Wednesday's match in the south of Italy.

Although the French are expected to roll over Malta, Claude Makelele, the Real Madrid midfielder, has warned his team-mates against complacency.

"To a certain extent, this is a tricky match for us," Makelele was quoted as saying.

"We have to ensure that we are fully focused on the task at hand, knowing our qualification to EURO 2004 also depends on this match. Our objective must be to impose our game on Malta from the start to show them that we are deadset on taking the three points."

Makelele's caution is also fuelled by France's 2-0 defeat to the Czech Republic in a friendly at the Stade de France last month.

"I did not expect to come across such a quick team. The Czechs surprised us with their pacey build-ups and we just struggled to force our way back into contention," the Real Madrid star said, adding that the French players are happy to be playing at Lens because the soft pitch suits their attacking style better.