World Cup runners up France were given a huge boost on Tuesday when Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry both participated in a 7-0 thrashing of a regional Swiss side. France were horribly uncreative in their tournament opener against Romania, and the return of Vieira and Henry could result in an improved showing against the Netherlands.

Patrice Evra, Sidney Govou, Lassana Diarra, Henry and Bafetimbi Gomis scored one each, with Samir Nasri chipping in with a brace in the practice game. Some of the other French players, like right back Willy Sagnol, look desperately short on match fitness, and they all trained with an aim to get back into top shape before the Dutch game.

The Netherlands will probably start as favourites after producing a scintillating display to destroy world champions Italy 3-0 in their opener. Romania take on Italy in the other Group C game on Friday.