France vs England: Preview, Predictions and Key Players for Monday's Match

France and England are set to square off on Monday in their opening match at the 2012 European Championship. Though it is early, the match will be a pivotal point in the tournament for both teams, as the winning side will be in perfect position to advance from Group D.

The other two teams in the group are Sweden and Ukraine. While they aren't the world's best squads, they will certainly give the two European powers a run for their money in the group stage.

England qualified for the Euro Cup easily, finishing six points ahead of the group's second place finisher, Montenegro. The English are looking to start their new regime on the right foot after Fabio Capello resigned and Roy Hodgson became the team's new boss.

France didn't have as easy of a road to the Euro as England did. They capitalized on a Samir Nasri penalty to get passed Bosnia near the end of the qualifying stages. However, they come into the tournament on a 20-game run that has seen them take a loss on just two occasions.

England's Key Player: Steven Gerrard

With Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two matches of the tournament and Frank Lampard injured, the onus will be on Gerrard to find the back of the net as often as he can. He isn't known as the best finisher, but that will have to change if England is going to have a chance in this one.

Gerrard's passing, specifically his long balls and key passes, will have to be on point. If he doesn't play the role of facilitator and finisher against France, we could be looking at another disappointing major tournament for the English national team.

France's Key Player: Franck Ribery

This match could be determined by which one of these key players outperforms the other. Both are very evenly matched, so it is likely that one masterful play by one player will determine the course of Group D.

Ribery must be the catalyst for France if they are to start the tournament with a victory. He has to be precise and decisive with his passes, both short range and long range. He also can't be afraid to unleash a shot from far out, as opposed to holding onto the ball and looking for the perfect opportunity.

Drawing attention from his teammates is a huge asset that Ribery brings to the table. If he can grab the notice of the English defenders, he'll be able to find his open teammates with crisp passes.

Prediction

This match could be more of a bore than we are accustomed to, but it could easily go the other way. A Rooney-less England club is going to have trouble getting any offense going, and the French have been firing on all cylinders in the months leading up to the tournament, so they should be able to come away with a win.

England won't be happy with the way the 2012 European Championships started off for them.

Prediction: 2-0 France