The final adieu

Frank Leboeuf is worried. Three weeks ago, two men in dark suits travelled from Zurich to Paris, entered the French Football Federation's headquarters on the Avenue d'Iena, and took possession of the World Cup trophy. It is now stored away in a bullet-proof display cabinet and will not be released until the tournament's conclusion on 31 May. "I feel like my jewel has been stolen," Leboeuf says. "None of the players will rest easy until we have reclaimed our prize."

Leboeuf is only half-joking. This French squad are as hungry as ever and, if Les Bleus' centre-back is to be believed, desperate to create football history by becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend their title successfully. "That would be a nice 40th anniversary present for us," Leboeuf says. "I think we're really well equipped to achieve our aim, but let's not start talking about all this as if it was a fait accompli. The players know that it's definitely going to be harder this time. When you are the holders, you have to prove that you are worthy champions. There is sure to be extra pressure because a lot of teams will be wanting us to fail. But, you know, we are under no illusions. We all know that one day this incredible run will come to an end – we just hope it is not for a while."

The former Chelsea defender believes that the great strength of this French squad is their ability to remain humble. "You must never think you are the best," says Leboeuf, who now plays his club football for his home town of Marseille. "If you do, you will start to drop down the gears. That's why we constantly tell ourselves that we are crap and that we have been very lucky to win so many matches. It's better that way."

Leboeuf adds: "We're a good team, but you can always do better. In terms of preparation and identity, we are well established, but there are little aspects of our match play that could be perfected. If we didn't think we had room for improvement, we'd all have packed our bags long ago."

While Leboeuf insists that the players remain as focused as they were this time four years ago, you wonder whether a dangerous air of invincibility is creeping in to the ranks. "Invincibility?" he retorts. "You're joking, aren't you? We have never had that sensation. Even after we've pulled off close victories, like in the semi-final and final of the European Championship two years ago, we have never been cocky. We know our worth, but we've learned to keep our feet firmly on the ground. One of the first things that Aimé Jacquet [the World Cup winning manager in 1998] taught us was to study our opponents, think only of their strong points, and show them the utmost respect. I think he has been proved right."

France's record in international competitions since the beginning of Euro 96 supports Leboeuf's argument that the squad are settled and confident. Two defeats in 18 tournament matches (one on penalties in the semi-finals of Euro 96, and the other in a meaningless group match against Holland at Euro 2000) tell their own story. "Nothing has changed in terms of the way the group functions," Leboeuf says. "It is still the same open and relaxed atmosphere that was so evident four years ago. Players tease each other, have fun, and don't take themselves too seriously. Being part of the French set-up is better than any club. The nights I have had with the national team are easily the best I have ever known as a player. When you're with these guys, you don't want to miss a thing. The moment I hate most in the day is bedtime, because I suddenly realise that I will have to go to my room and stop enjoying myself."

While the bonhomie remains, France are also acutely aware that they have a job to do. At the moment, the manager is trusted and players are left alone, but an early exit from the competition would spell the end for the Class of '96. "I think the coach is aware of the need to keep things fresh," Leboeuf says. "That's why he has increased the pressure on the regulars. While the team picked itself for several years, there is genuine competition for every position now and nobody can be sure of selection. Well, nobody except for Marcel [Desailly] and Zizou [Zidane]."

Leboeuf may have enjoyed the most fruitful of international careers – at 34 this will be his World Cup swansong – but he continues to be amazed by France's progress. "I don't think any of the players have realised what they've achieved," he says. "Even Zizou remains modest. We still sit down and talk like kids about the great teams and players of the game. No one here ever thinks of himself as the new Beckenbauer or Maradona.

"We don't quite appreciate that we are one of the most successful sides in the history of football. Perhaps one day, in 10 or 20 years, I will sit down with my grandchildren and count my medals." It is two so far, Frank. Two and counting.