England next for champions France

Nicolas Anelka scores the second goal at Wembley

European Championship winners France start two years of friendly matches when they take on England in Paris in September.

The Euro 2000 champions have already qualified for the next World Cup in 2002 after their victory at France 98 and Roger Lemerre's side have no competitive fixtures to look forward to.

England have already been lined up as their next opponents at the Stade de France on Saturday 2 September.

Howard Wilkinson - all smiles before the French match in 1999

The teams last met in February 1999 in a friendly at Wembley, where France were 2-0 winners thanks to goals by Nicolas Anelka.

Howard Wilkinson was England's manager that night - his one game in charge - and there have been conflicting reports on what his role will be following Euro 2000.

Last 10 meetings

England 0-2 France
(Wembley 1999)

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France 0-1 England
(Montpellier 1997)

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England 0-0 France
(Malmo 1992)

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England 2-0 France
(Wembley 1992)

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France 2-0 England
(Paris 1984)

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England 3-1 France
(Bilbao 1982)

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England 5-0 France
(Wembley 1969)

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England 2-0 France
(Wembley 1966)

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France 5-2 England
(Paris 1963)

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England 1-1 France
(Sheffield 1962)

The Football Association's technical director has been tipped to have a more hands-on role with the England team, though officials say that will be decided by Kevin Keegan.

Keegan was widely condemned for his tactical naivety at Euro 2000 and there can be no stiffer test of how much he has learned than a date with the newly-crowned kings of Europe.

The main focus will be England's first World Cup qualifier against Germany at Wembley on October 7, but anything less than a solid performance will increase the pressure on Keegan.

He vowed to battle on despite England's disappointing campaign at the European Championship.

A heavy defeat against the French may leave him with no option but to quit in time for England to find a successor for the World Cup qualifiers.