Florent Malouda has called on his France team-mates to end the season on a high note against Ukraine.
France midfielder looking forward to Ukraine clash
Florent Malouda has called on his France team-mates to end the season on a high note against Ukraine.
Les Bleus remain four points clear at the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group D despite being held to a surprise 1-1 draw by Belarus on Friday night.
It was a lacklustre performance from a French side still struggling for consistency under coach Laurent Blanc, but Malouda is in no doubt they are making progress in the post-Raymond Domenech era.
The Chelsea midfielder is now looking to pick up a victory in Monday night's friendly international to keep confidence high going into the summer.
"It was a disappointing result," said Malouda. "It was an opportunity for us to strengthen our position at the top of the table.
"It was not possible but we will not be too negative.
"We have made progress, certainly compared to the level we were at a few months ago and with our results.
"We are still a team under construction and this will continue until the European Championships."
Shevchenko blow for Ukraine
As co-hosts of Euro 2012 along with Poland, Ukraine are spared the troubles of going through qualifying.
Instead, they met Uzbekistan in a friendly last week, winning 2-0, although the victory came at a cost for captain Andriy Shevchenko.
The Dynamo Kiev striker suffered a calf injury and has been ruled out of the clash with France as a result.
Coach Oleg Blokhin admits Shevchenko will be missed against Les Bleus, saying: "Andriy is a very valuable player for us.
"He is the undisputed team leader who can unite around other players."
