Thierry Henry proved he is still in the goalscoring groove as France flexed their muscles against Denmark in Bruges yesterday.

After a shaky start, Roger Lemerre's team showed the qualities which made them World Cup winners two years ago - and a little bit more.

Zinedine Zidane was still in sublime touch in midfield and Laurent Blanc capped another graceful defensive display with the opening goal in the 16th minute.

But it was Henry, such a productive goalscorer for Arsenal last season, and Nicolas Anelka, the former Highbury front-runner now with Real Madrid, who provided the electrifying strike threat which Aime Jacquet's 1998 lacked.

Anelka tormented the Danish defence until he was substituted late in the game while Henry's breathtaking speed provided menace from the left.

Henry claimed the vital second with a solo strike in the 65th minute and substitute Sylvain Wiltord completed the scoring in stoppage time.

Danish coach Bo Johansson paid tribute to France and especially Zidane, who showed he has lost none of his subtlety and skill.

'The French are a fantastic team and when you watch a player like Zidane you just enjoy it. He is fantastic,' said Johansson.

The injury-hit Danes came flying out of the blocks and Jon Dahl Tomasson missed a great chance in the second minute, his effort being blocked by Fabien Barthez. Manchester United's new £7,8million goal keeper also kept out Ebbe Sand's shot before Blanc hit the opener. Anelka was in exhilarating mood. He latched on to a pass from Zidane but Rene Henriksen tracked back speedily to thwart him. Anelka gave his markers the slip again moments later. He side- stepped Peter Schmeichel, but was forced wide and could only cut his shot into the side-netting.

From a third similar opening, however, came Blanc's goal. A well-worked move carved out a chance for Anelka but Schmeichel was off his line in a flash to save at his feet. But the goalkeeper was helpless as the ball spun kindly for Blanc to score.

Henry's goal came when he carried the ball down the left wing from the halfway line to the penalty area before checking on to his right foot and clipped the ball beyond Schmeichel. Zidane went close before linking up with Patrick Vieira to provide the third for Wiltord.

France (4-3-1-2): Barthez; Lizarazu, Blanc, Djorkaeff (Vieira, 58 min), Deschamps, Desailly, Anelka (Wiltord, 81), Zidane, Henry, Thuram, Petit. Booked: None.

Denmark (4-4-2): Schmeichel; Schjonberg, Henriksen, Heintze, A Nielsen, Gronkjaer, Tomasson (Beck, 79), Sand, Colding, Tofting (Gravesen, 72), Bisgaard (Jorgensen, 72). Booked: Schjonberg.

Referee: G Benko (Austria)

Man of the Match: Zinedine Zidane