It's a surprise to me that Thierry Henry, France's top scorer in World Cup 1998 (when he wasn't even playing as a striker like he does these days), has been left out. He hasn't featured since those world-cup finals (a poor reward for his decisive performances that summer). His pace and ability to play a variety of roles makes Theiry well suited to International football and the move to Arsenal seems now to have rejuvenated his club form, which has been excellent of late. That's why we're glad he's not going to be picking up an injury against the Poles 3 days before our match against Glenn Hoddle's Salvation Army.

Yes, even though, as several of our bloody (;>) eagle-eyed readers have pointed out within minutes of my writing that, Henry is actually suspended for the Soton match after picking up his 5th booking of the season against Bradford. Unless, of course, what's going on is that he's serving his suspension against Poland. Anyway, I reckon (hope) the Sally Army gag is worth leaving in.....

Hopefully for our Terry, France just don't feel the need to look at him. Or perhaps a deal was struck with our manager not to take all 3 of them.

The other 2, in case you're wondering, are Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit. A year ago there would be no question as to who would make the French squad from our ranks, but the form of Gilles Grimandi has been fantastic this season both in midfield and in central defence and if the French boss isn't considering super-Gilles as an option then francly, he's a fool.

Fingers crossed for Manu's knee.