FRANCE crashing out of the World Cup is supposed to be a reason to be cheerful in England. Not so today.

While it gives me great pleasure to see Frank Leboeuf knocked out at the first hurdle after his show of arrogance on 'They Think It's All Over' following France '98, the competition is poorer for not having the reigning champions still involved.

It is particularly poorer for not being able to showcase the talents of arguably the greatest player on earth.

Zinedine Zidane has had a nightmare World Cup, missing the first two games and playing his way back to fitness in today's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Denmark.

His unique talent lit up today's game and would have gone on to make us gasp and drool. Instead we have Denmark to look forward to, a team which deserves respect for its organisation but which provides about as much entertainment value as creosoting a fence.

It's a shame Thierry Henry has not had the chance to display his electric talent but, at just 24, his chance will come again. Zidane is a few days away from his 30th birthday and at the peak of his ability. By the time the next World Cup comes along he will be a pale shadow of his former self.

Denmark's progress means England will play them if they finish runners-up in their group and that is a game which should worry all Englishmen.

Their disruptive, organised style is similar to Sweden's and not the type England ever play well against. Senegal's open play is a much more attractive proposition but let's just get through tomorrow's game first.