And it doesn't look too daunting...
Barthez handed French captaincy in place of Vieira
10:11 Friday October 8th 2004
France have unveiled their team for tomorrow's crucial World Cup qualifier against Ireland in Paris.
The French team will be captained from the back as former Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has been handed the skipper's armband in the absence of the suspended Patrick Vieira.
The Irish defence will have to cope with the striking partnership of Thierry Henry and Liverpool's Djibril Cisse.
Olivier Dacourt, Sylvain Wiltort, Robert Pires and 20-year-old Bordeaux player Rio Antonio Mavuba will form the midfield.
And in defence Chelsea's William Gallas and Manchester United's Mikael Silvestre are named alongside the Monaco duo of Sebastien Squillaci and Gael Givet.