Cabaye expects tough opener against England

France midfielder Yohan Cabaye has argued England hold no surprises for his team ahead of their clash on Monday.

Cabaye is one of seven players in the French squad that play in the English Premier League.

The 26-year-old midfielder enjoyed a great debut season for Newcastle United, helping his new club to sixth on the EPL table last season.

Cabaye reckons his knowledge of England’s players will be helpful in Monday’s Euro 2012 match but has argued it is hardly a secret weapon.

“Yes, I’ve been playing for a season against the players I’m going to face on Monday and there are a few other players like me,” Cabaye said in the lead-up to France’s game against England.

“It means that we know them a bit better but it doesn’t change the way we prepare for the game.”

Cabaye has claimed that England will still be hard to beat despite having lost Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and Gary Cahill during their preparation.

“The players in our team who play in England don’t have to warn the others about the fact that it’s going to be a tough game,” the midfielder said.

“Even if they have a few players missing and the team is a bit low at the moment, it is still a good team with great players.

“We are ready for the fight.

“We are going to have to be strong to beat them.”

Despite England’s disrupted lead-up to Euro 2012, Cabaye rates them as the favourites to top Group D.

“We are in a position as an outsider,” Cabaye said.

“The English are bigger favourites than us.

“Ukraine is at home also.

“We are not the favourites of the group.”