Roy Hodgson has described England's opening Euro 2012 match against France tomorrow evening as a "stern challenge".
Laurent Blanc's Blues are currently on a run of 21 internationals without defeat.
Despite admitting that form counts for little in major tournaments, Hodgson has revealed that he is wary of the challenge that the French pose.
"It is a stern challenge," he told reporters. "We are facing a team that is in great form. 21 matches unbeaten at any level of football is a fine achievement.
"But when you come to big tournaments it is often not about form, but how your team play on the night."
"We have full respect for the French team as we should have, but I also know the players believe in themselves, so let's see what we can do."
As well as France, England have also been grouped with co-hosts Ukraine and Sweden.
