Blanc hands Lloris captaincy

Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been named France captain for this summer's UEFA EURO 2012. Les Bleus coach Laurent Blanc confirmed the appointment today on the eve of tomorrow's friendly against Germany, with Lloris getting the nod ahead of defenders Philippe Mexes and Eric Abidal. Blanc, who took over the France reins from Raymond Domenech after their disappointing 2010 FIFA World Cup™ campaign, has handed the armband to a number of players, including Lloris, Abidal, Mexes, Florent Malouda, Samir Nasri and Alou Diarra, as he sought a permanent successor to Patrice Evra. He has now settled on 25-year-old Lloris for tomorrow's game in Bremen, and when asked whether that would remain the case for EURO2012, he replied: "You can think that, yes. I do not always give you an explanation, but I think Hugo [Lloris] is the one who assures me the most. He is someone who has the control and insight to do this role." Lloris said: "It's a mark of confidence from the coach and a source of great pride for me. There are players who have more responsibilities than others. I am one, but I'm not going to change. I will continue to be myself, to get involved in the group while trying to remain effective."