England may be weakened by the absence of several key players but the fact they are playing France in their opening match at Euro 2012 will only motivate them more said French coach Laurent Blanc on Thursday.

Blanc, who has guided France to a 21-game unbeaten streak and restored some much needed lustre to their image sullied by the 2010 World Cup debacle, said the English would still play according to their traditional style.

England have been seemingly cursed since John Terry was stripped of the captaincy - though he is in the squad - because of a pending trial for racial abuse leading to Fabio Capello to resign as coach in protest at the decision.

His successor Roy Hodgson has subsequently lost regulars Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard to injury while striker Wayne Rooney is suspended for the first two group games.

However, Blanc, who replaced the unloved Raymond Domenech after the 2010 World Cup, said it would be foolhardy to take England for granted when they meet in Donetsk on Monday.

“We don’t fear them more than other teams,” said Blanc, who had a spell as a player in England with Manchester United.

“Yes of course they are not at full strength but what concerns me is that England will play in a certain style, based on their qualities, and their philosophy of how to play.

“They will give everything because when there are French against English, it raises the game above the normal international match. We are going to have to be extremely strong physically. That is going to be a difficult match.”