The conversation, quite naturally, centred around the Euro 2000 semi-final against Portugal in Brussels tomorrow night. Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Nuno Gomes and Thierry Henry - they were all mentioned, as the play-ers of France looked forward to the clash with the Portuguese.

But Patrick Vieira found time to offer words of comfort to many of the England squad and to praise the league in which they ply their trade.

And it is with good reason that Vieira recommends the high-tempo world of the Premiership with such enthusiasm.

It was in England with Arsenal that Vieira emerged as a player of international pedigree after two seasons of relative anonymity with AC Milan.

Vieira said: 'There is nothing wrong with the league in England. It is much better than most of the people in this room think.'

Around him were the likes of Marcel Desailly, Christophe Dugarry, Bixtene Lizarazu and Fabien Barthez as well as assorted media from all over Europe.

He added: 'I was disappointed England went out. I'm sorry for many of the Arsenal players I know. I spoke to David Seaman during the tournament and know how down he must feel. This is one of his last big tournaments and I wanted him to do well.

'And I also think that while England may not have played too well during the Finals, they have some excellent young players. They may have to be patient and wait for the next generation to come through. Players like Steven Gerrard at Liverpool. I think he is fantastic.

'And there is Paul Scholes. He has everything. He is the best player that England have got.

'He makes goals, he scores goals and he has such great balance. I rate him very highly.'

No such patience is needed by France. They enjoy a superb crop of young players, they are the reigning world champions and they are favourites to become the first holders of that title to then lift the European crown.

Portugal and then either Holland or Italy stand in their way.

Vieira added: 'I saw Portugal beat England and they showed a lot of great qualities. To be 2-0 down and then win 3-2 shows Portugal have heart and character as well as a lot of ability, but we know it will be hard. Portugal will be a team with a lot of confidence after winning their four games so far.

'We had a tough group as well. Denmark and the Czech Republic were tough opposition. And in a tournament, the games get harder. After the group stage, the quarter-final is difficult and the semis even tougher. We know that. We won't need to be told.'

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Petit has given French manager Roger Lemerre a selection headache before tomorrow.

The Arsenal midfielder missed the last two matches against Holland and Spain with a knee injury, but is back in full training and will be fit for Portugal.

Lemerre must decide whether to recall the man regarded as an automatic choice for his country at the start of the tournament or pick Vieira, who has excelled in Petit's absence.