There has been a 714-day wait between England's disappointing World Cup exit and their opening Euro 2012 game.
Much has happened since then - but most of it during the last six months. First there was Uefa's two-game suspension for Wayne Rooney as a result of his sending off in qualifying. Then, in February, Fabio Capello quit as head coach following the FA's decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy for a second time.
Most recently a spate of injuries has seen pundits and punters alike write Roy Hodgson's England off before the tournament has even begun. Can the new England manager and his class of 2012 change opinions on the pitch when it matters most?
When Hodgson takes to the dugout in Donetsk he will become the first Englishman to lead the Three Lions at a major competition since Kevin Keegan at Euro 2000.
He is the first ever England boss with previous international management experience following his spells in charge of Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Finland.
He will hope a lucky omen works in his favour - England are unbeaten in the five previous matches they have played at major tournaments on 11 June. That includes a goalless draw with Brazil at the 1958 World Cup and a Gary Lineker-inspired 3-0 victory over Poland at the 1986 World Cup.
Opponents France are world football's form team and enter Euro 2012 unbeaten in 21 matches, including 15 wins. The last team to beat them were Belarus in September 2010 and, if they avoid defeat to England, it would represent the second longest unbeaten run in French football history.
Their renaissance is a far cry from the dismal displays at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, when they finished bottom of their group at both tournaments.
Most of the credit goes to head coach Laurent Blanc, a man known as 'Le President' because of his authority and leadership skills.
He has injected youth and desire in the shape of Yohan Cabaye and Yann M'Vila, organisation via centre-back Adil Rami, and also has the flair and goals of Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery. If it all clicks then the French might just justify that dark horse status many have assigned them.
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