ERIC CANTONA, the most notable absentee at Euro 96, could yet play for France when they host the World Cup finals in 1998.

France's coach, Aime Jacquet, said in an interview published yesterday that all French players with clubs abroad had a chance of being picked, particularly this season, which he called a phase of preparation, trials and transformation. "A choice is never definitive," Jacquet told the sports daily L'Equipe when asked whether he would consider picking Cantona and Newcastle United's winger David Ginola.

"I know them, I know how to use them. But for the moment we're working on a continuity basis. If I continue with my task it's not to go in reverse.

"But I'm not made of stone nor an idiot nor mad I'm there to build the best possible team to prepare for the World Cup."

Jacquet added that Cantona and Ginola were "precisely, an alternative choice."

France disappointed at the European Championship finals in England in June when they went out in the semi finals after starting among the favourites to win the event. Their attack became more blunt as the tournament progressed.

Jacquet did not pick Cantona and Ginola after building a side unbeaten in the qualifying series and which has yet to taste defeat in 28 matches, going out to the Czech Republic in the Euro 96 on penalties.

"I've made difficult choices heavy with consequences" Jacquet said of his two years in the job.