Zidane eyes crowning glory

Zidane has already got a European Championship medal in his crammed trophy cabinet, which also includes World and European Football of the Year gongs, along with a World Cup winners' medal and UEFA Champions League crowns.

However, after the disappointment of their last World Cup in Japan, along with a sour season at Real Madrid, Zidane says that lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy this time around would be the crowning glory in his career.

"I certainly feel that winning Euro 2000 was a greater feat than winning the World Cup in 1998," said Zidane.

"France 98 was fantastic for the country because it was achieved on home soil. But look at the countries we beat to win it. They don't compare with the ones we beat two years later during Euro 2000.

"This tournament will be even harder because, to win it, we will have to beat England, Spain or Portugal, and probably Italy. You're talking about four of the strongest nations in the world, not just Europe.

"So, as far as I'm concerned, if we can retain the championship, it will be an astonishing achievement."

Zidane is fired up to face England in their Euro 2004 opener on Sunday, and is determined to make up for their poor showing in Japan two years ago.

Zidane had a thigh injury going into the tournament and says that he never should have played, but is ready to make amends in Portugal.

"I knew I shouldn't have played in the last World Cup. Even now, I feel so strongly that I let myself down but, more importantly, I let my country down.

"It has taken time for my confidence to be restored, but now I feel we are ready again to make a big impact."