Thuram keeps his focus

Souvenir shirts
Thuram made his debut as a 22-year-old in August 1994 against the Czech Republic. The match featured two goals by another debutant, Zinedine Zidane, whom Thuram will pip in the race to join his captain Marcel Desailly and AS Monaco FC coach Didier Deschamps in having reached a century of caps. The defender kept his shirt from that day and intends to retain the one he wears against England too.

Key game
The Juventus FC player is talking down his achievement, however, preferring instead to focus on France's first match of UEFA EURO 2004™. "This tie is much more important than my 100 caps," he said. Like team-mates Zidane, Patrick Vieira and Bixente Lizarazu, Thuram has faced England three times since 1997 - matches which brought one win, one defeat and one draw.

Derby match
The 32 year-old believes Sunday's match will have the feel of a local derby, with the England players desperate to prove a point against the nine 'Frenchies' who play in the Premiership and vice versa. "I faced a similar situation when we played Italy in the quarter-final of the 1998 FIFA World Cup," he added. "It doesn't matter whether we face them now or later. For me, every game is important."

Uncertain future
Although he has previously indicated that he wishes to play for Les Bleus as long as possible, Thuram admitted that quitting the national team after the championships was also an option. However, any decision would have to wait until after the finals. "You have to forget about yourself and work for the group," he said.

Fond memories
His fondest memories are of his first tournament at EURO '96™ in England and, unsurprisingly, 12 July 1998 when France became world champions. He will be hoping to add another memory on 4 July when EURO 2004™ concludes.