France will go far in Euro 2012 according to French footballing legend Zinedine Zidane on Thursday.
Zidane - part of the sides that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 titles - said he believed in the present team, coached by former international team-mate Laurent Blanc, which goes into the tournament unbeaten in 21 games.
"I am a big supporter of this team, I really have a good feeling about them," said the former Real Madrid superstar, who was speaking while participating in a charity event juggling footballs.
"I think they have prepared really well and will have a really good tournament," added Zidane, who turns 40 on June 23.
However, Zidane, who bowed out of international football after his infamous butting of Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final, said it was crucial that the French got a good start in their opening match against England next Monday.
"It is always the same, it is vital to begin the tournament well because that is what sets the tone for the rest of it," said Zidane.
"I hope that they will begin well against the English," added Zidane, who famously threw up prior to taking a successful last minute game winning penalty in the Euro 2004 group game with England.
The other two countries in Group D are co-hosts Ukraine and Sweden.