Henry – an obvious choice for the starting line-up?

Thierry Henry, vital to Domenech’s starting line-up, is unlikely to be part of the first eleven in this evening’s match against Romania. The footballer hasn’t trained since Saturday, after he reportedly injured himself during the warm-up for the match against Colombia, according to the official version. Our Observer wonders if Thierry Henry’s presence in the starting line-up undisputed.

Henry – an obvious choice for the starting line-up?

Should Thierry Henry absolutely be part of the starting line-up at the Euro? Obviously yes, let’s say at least for Raymond.

However Henry isn’t in his best form. The French team’s best striker, with 44 goals for 100 caps, didn’t score during the three ‘average’ friendly matches.

The Ribéry–Benzema duo performed better that Malouda-Henry. Les Bleus’ Titi reminded us more of Barça’s Titi. And his placement is not an excuse.

So what is Titi’s contribution to the French team? An impressive experience. A decade ago he was preparing for the 98 World Cup. It’s an important factor in high-level matches, especially during the final phase. Remember, far from being transcendent during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, he scored against Brazil during the quarter-final and obtained a penalty kick during the semi-final against Portugal.

Even if he isn’t as dangerous, he’s acting like a real team leader. He creates gaps for his team mates like Ribéry or Benzéma. He won’t be the best striker during the Euro, or the French team’s best scorer, but he will score for sure!

The ‘Henry’ of Euro 2008 is no longer the ‘Henry’ of 2000 but didn’t we say the same for Zidane in 2006?"