France coach Laurent Blanc isn't expecting much style from England in tonight's Euros opener.

The former Manchester United defender, 46, now hopes his side can extend their 21-match unbeaten run.

But he is under no illusions about the defensive, counter-attacking style that Roy Hodgson will encourage from England at the Donbass Arena here in Donetsk.

Blanc said: "If we play the English way, it'll be 0-0 and we might get a goal from a set-piece - so we'll play our own game.

"I hope the side that plays more football will win but it's not always the case.

"As a national coach. You don't have a lot of time to work with the players and Hodgson has had far less than me.

"He's tried to put across how he wants his side to play, individually and collectively. There'll be two very different footballing philosophies on show.

"Essentially, the fact I played in England for two years means I know the English players' mentality.

"I know what to expect from England in terms of spirit and strength in the tackles. We've watched their last two friendly games.

"If they play in the same way they'll drop back, have a bank of four with some quick players and then try to hit us on the break.

"We need to be wary of that and make sure we're not caught off guard."