There's still the official squad photo to be taken on Friday morning but, apart from that, the players will be at work.

In 2002 things were different. Because of the numerous demands on their time, the French squad had little chance to focus on the defence of their World Cup title.

Nobody expressed any concerns about this until after France's shock first-round exit in South Korea and Japan.

"The whole squad was exhausted after a long and tiring season," said playmaker Zinedine Zidane.

"But the worst thing was that we didn't have time to prepare for the tournament."

Things have changed since Jacques Santini took over from Roger Lemerre in July 2002.

The French coach has reinforced discipline in the squad and the merchants have been ousted from France's soccer temple as they prepare for another title defence.

"He (Santini) has done everything he could to protect us," said Bayern Munich defender Willy Sagnol. "The number of outsiders allowed in here was cut dramatically.

"All the players said it was a good thing and it has improved the atmosphere.

"When you are training at 10 in the morning and at four in the afternoon, what you need in between is rest."

There are no more than 20 journalists attending the training sessions in Clairefontaine nowadays.

There were about 100 two years ago, some hiding to shoot closed-door sessions with long lenses.

It was a mad time as everyone forgot a World Cup finals was not only a show but also a demanding event where players had to be at their best.

France are obviously one of the fancied teams for Euro 2004 but nothing is being taken for granted this time.

"We are one of the favourites, we won't deny it, but it doesn't mean anything. Only the results of the games matter," said Santini.

"Someone had to bring us back down to earth," said Sagnol.

"New rules needed to be implemented."

It is said that what does not kill you gives you strength and France are smart enough to learn the lessons from the past.

"Now we know something like that can happen, we didn't know it before. We didn't even consider it was possible," Sagnol said.

France opened their 2002 campaign with a shock 1-0 defeat by Senegal. This time they start on June 13 against England, one of the fancied teams in the Portugal tournament.

"The opening match against Senegal did us great harm. We were confused and we were just another team," Sagnol said.

"We don't want to see that happen again."