GROUP D SWEDEN v FRANCECONSIDERING A one-goal defeat could still see France through to the quarter-final stage, coach Laurent Blanc will consider resting the three players who carry bookings into tonight's game against Sweden in Kiev.
Centre back Philippe Mexes, right back Mathieu Debuchy and winger Jeremy Menez would miss out on a potential last-eight appearance if they pick up another booking.
Mexes is the least likely to be left out because Blanc will be reluctant to break up his solid partnership with Adil Rami.
Utility back Anthony Reveillere could come in for Debuchy and Menez could be rested, with Florent Malouda or Mathieu Valbuena taking his place.
France, who enjoyed their first win at a major championship since 2006 when they beat co-hosts Ukraine 2-0 last Friday, would head the standings if they beat Sweden and England defeated Ukraine without making up an inferior goal difference.
They have four points, like England, with Ukraine in third place on three and Sweden on none.
A draw in both games would put France and England through with the French topping the group on goal difference.
Yann Mvila, fit after suffering an ankle sprain in the build-up to the tournament, could return in the midfield for Yohan Cabaye after the Newcastle United player picked up a minor knock against Ukraine.
Sweden will be out to restore pride back home after throwing away leads in losses to Ukraine and England.
“We will go for it. We are playing for honour,” said striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“We are going to bring some points home with us.”
Tonight, 7.45pm (irish times)
Olympic Stadium, Kiev
On TV: ITV4
SWEDEN
Substitutes from:
23 Hansson; 12 Wiland; 15 Antonsson; 13 Olsson; 17 Safari; 19 Bajrami; 18 Holmen; 16 Wernbloom; 21 Wilhelmsson; 8 Svensson; 11 Elmander; 14 Hysen.
Coach: Erik Hamren
FRANCE
Substitutes from:
16 Mandanda; 23 Carrasso; 3 Evra; 21 Koscielny; 13 Reveillere; 17 Mvila; 19 Martin; 12 Matuidi; 20 Ben Arfa; 15 Malouda; 8 Valbuena; 9 Giroud.
Misses next match if booked: Menez, Debuchy, Mexes.
Coach: Laurent Blanc.
Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal).
