Boumsong calls for calm

Former France and Lyon defender Jean-Alain Boumsong believes expectations are too high in the country ahead of Euro 2012.

France are a team transformed since the 2010 World Cup debacle in South Africa, with the likes of Karim Benzema, Samir Nasri and Franck Ribery leading the way under Laurent Blanc. Les Bleus are unbeaten in 21 games going into their first Group D clash against England on Monday. However, Boumsong says France are not as good as that run suggests. "The French team is good, but people have too big expectations. You see, they have many big players such as Benzema, Nasri or Ribery," said the Panathinaikos centre-back. "However, personally I believe that M'Vila's performance would be a key to their chances. I think that many teams in this tournament have better players in the midfield and the frontline."