Zidane tips England and France

Zinedine Zidane believes the opening Euro 2004 clash with England may not be the last time the two sides meet at next year's finals in Portugal.

The Real Madrid midfielder, who will go head-to-head with team-mate David Beckham on 13 June, has touted England as a threat to French hopes of defending the title.

"For us, the game against England is the match," Zidane told L'Equipe. "People need to see big matches and France against England is a big match. But I see no reason why we shouldn't meet again in the final."

While Zidane sees France and England as clear favourites to qualify from Group B, he admits the tournament will be keenly contested.

"Euro 2004 will be difficult," he said.

"Every side that has qualified will be hard to beat and Croatia and Switzerland (also in Group B) will make it tough."

But the former World Footballer of the Year, could not resist gaining a psychological edge on Beckham.