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BOUMSONG BACKS FRANCE'S CHANCES

Posted: 15/05/06 - 12:06

By Damian Spellman, PA Sport
Jean-Alain Boumsong has tipped France as World Cup dark horses.

The 26-year-old defender will head for Germany with his international team-mates after being included in Raymond Domenech's squad despite a difficult season at Newcastle.

France, winners in 1998, are not among the popular favourites this time around, but Boumsong believes the hugely experienced trio of Zinedine Zidane, Lilian Thuram and Claude Makelele could help to make them a surprise package.

"I'm delighted to be in the squad," he said. "It always makes you very proud to represent your country, especially in a competition like the World Cup.

"We are not one of the favourites this time, but I believe we have a good chance to win it.

"People are talking about teams like Brazil and England and some others, but our senior players - our leaders, like Zidane, Makelele and Thuram - are big players for us and if they are all fit, then we will have a chance."

He told the club's official website www.nufc.co.uk: "We are a strong side, and the fact we are not one of the favourites could help us. We are going into the tournament in a good position, and we are looking forward to it."

Boumsong's future on Tyneside remains uncertain with Titus Bramble having prospered under Glenn Roeder alongside Craig Moore. Steven Taylor is also back fit after recovering from a dislocated shoulder.

It would be no surprise if Roeder - who will be unveiled as the club's new manager tomorrow - targeted another defender during the summer, and that could spell the end for the Frenchman at St James' Park.

Boumsong, an £8million signing from Rangers in January 2005, has struggled to establish himself on Tyneside after a series of high-profile blunders.

There has been persistent speculation he will be sold during the summer and that his appearance in Alan Shearer's testimonial game last Thursday night could be his last for the club.

http://worldcup.sportinglife.com/foo..._Boumsong.html