Joe Hart says he is a big admirer of France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as two of the Premier League's best stoppers prepare to meet on Tuesday night.
Hart captained England in Spain on Friday, leading his country out for the first time in his 56 appearances, and is expected to be in the opposite goal to French skipper Lloris when the two nations come together at Wembley.
The match has been given the go-ahead following the horrifying events in Paris and is one that Lloris says will be "a great moment of solidarity".
England v France
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8pm, Tuesday 17 November 2015
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
And Manchester City man Hart believes England must take on quality teams like France to prepare themselves for next summer's Euro 2016 Finals.
"We’ve had some tough friendlies, but that is what we have got to do. We're going to have to play games like this if we are going to do anything special as a team," the 28-year-old said in an interview for the official England v France matchday programme.
"France are looking like a really strong side. I've played against a number of their players in the past – Paul Pogba for Juventus is a really good player, Anthony Martial has just come to United and looks very good – they have so many good players and cover all bases really.
“Obviously I'm a fan of Hugo Lloris in goal, he's a top keeper, a leader, very quick and very effective.
"He's been an established player for a very long time and is well thought of by his club and country because he's captain of both.”
Hart and Lloris appear on the cover of England v France programme
Hart, whose only previous meeting with Les Bleus at senior level came in the 1-1 draw at Euro 2012, thinks France will be major contenders when they host the Euros in 2016, having won their two past tournaments on home soil, in 1984 and 1998.
The former Shrewsbury Town youth keeper was just 11-years-old when France hosted the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
“I do remember France 98, I remember Michael Owen's goal against Argentina and the penalty shootout and I remember France winning it,” he said.
“I can't forget that as Patrick Vieira goes on about it virtually every other day and tells us he's a world champion!
“Being at home next summer France will be a team who will be really looking to challenge. It will be a big test for us, but we are more than ready."
Joe Hart has won 56 caps for England
Having experienced the England fans support at Euro 2012 and Brazil 2014, he expects their loyal following to head across the channel in numbers next June where they will back their team once again.
Hart added: “With next year's Finals being so close to home for our fans, I think it will be great for us and them.
"Travel can be difficult for international games, and costs a lot of money, so to have the opportunity to jump on a train to get to the games will be perfect.
“Our support for England home and away is phenomenal and it can give you goosebumps, especially at tournaments.
"So I'm really looking forward to that buzz and hopefully we are going to put people in a good frame of mind going into the tournament. Optimism will be high so they will get right behind us as always.”
