Nasri: England clash a ´final´

France attacker Samir Nasri believes Monday’s match against England could define the future of both teams at Euro 2012.

Nasri scored the goal which sealed his country’s direct passage to the tournament when he converted a late penalty against Bosnia and Herzegovina back in October last year.

The Manchester City midfielder seems certain to line-up against England in their Group D clash in what he believes is a crucial outing for both teams.

“Our first final is the debut against England,” Nasri told Goal.com.

“It’s a very difficult hurdle and a game in which both teams will be playing for their future in the competition.”

Nasri has spent several seasons in England but enjoyed his greatest success last term as he claimed the English Premier League title after moving from Arsenal to City last year.

He is hopeful of carrying his club form into the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

“Winning the Premier League and getting into the final squad for the European Championship have been two enormous morale boosts for me,” Nasri said.

“It won’t be easy for us in the Euros, but I want to take advantage of the occasion because it arrives at perhaps the best moment possible for me.”

The former Marseille man revealed he had already challenged several of his club colleagues to friendly wagers, including England goalkeeper Joe Hart.

“I have been living the (build-up to the) England game for months because some of my team-mates at Manchester City always make jokes about it,” Nasri said.

“But I have put up with a lot and there are some bets tabled with Hart and others.

“Let’s see who comes out on top.”