France start their World Cup qualifying campaign against Israel in Paris on Saturday badly needing victory to put their ignominious Euro 2004 exit behind them.

Les Bleus have had little time to build a new squad since inspirational Zinedine Zidane and influential defenders Lilian Thuran, Bixente Lizarazu and captain Marcel Desailly quit the team.

After their defeat by Greece in the Euro 2004 quarter-finals the French drew 1-1 with Bosnia following a lacklustre performance last month.

"A new generation is coming and a new squad is to build up," striker Thierry Henry said. "We need a string of victories because it's easier to work when you win.

"I don't know what the story was back in 1996 because I wasn't there but it took them some time to set up a competitive side."

When Aime Jacquet took over from the sacked Gerard Houllier after France failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, he set off on a French record run of 30 matches without defeat.

This helped the squad find the right balance and confidence they needed to prepare for the victorious 1998 World Cup campaign.

"We are now the old ones," said Henry. "We have to help the youngsters to find their place into the squad the way others did it for us in other times. It's our duty."

NEW RULES

Like Jacquet, new French coach Raymond Domenech is a strong character, a man players listen to when he speaks and obey when he gives orders.

Since replacing Jacques Santini, Domenech has implemented a new discipline and imposed new rules.

No mobile phones calls are allowed during massage sessions anymore and all the players have to be on time for breakfast and training sessions.

Domenech has also changed the team's strategy, turning to a 3-5-2 formation after the old-fashioned 4-4-2 cherished by Santini proved unsuccessful during the European Championship.

The three-defender system is more demanding, especially for the midfielders who have to come back swiftly to cover their defence when opponents' carry the ball.

Domenech, however, said he hoped such a formation would create a greater solidarity among the players.

Whatever option he chooses on Saturday, the France coach remains wary of Israel, a side France have had problems with in the past.

They tamed them 2-1 in a tough match in Palermo during the Euro 2004 qualifiers but lost 3-2 in Paris in 1993.

"With them (Israel), you never know what to expect," Domenech said.

Probable teams:

France: 1-Gregory Coupet; 5-William Gallas, 2-Sebastien Squillaci, 3-Eric Abidal; 21-Bernard Mendy, 4-Patrick Vieira, 18-Benoit Pedretti, 14-Jerome Rothen, 8-Ludovic Giuly; 12-Thierry Henry, 9-Djibril Cisse.

Israel: to be announced

Referee: Rene HJ Temmink (The Netherlands)