Stand-in captain Zinedine Zidane is hoping to lead France to a "grand slam" of eight wins in Euro 2004 qualifying Group One when the European champions host Israel at the Stade de France on Saturday.
"It's a great joy to be captain again," said Zidane, who takes over the armband from the injured Marcel Desailly.
"I watched a tape this morning of a game in which I was captain and it was a great memory," he added.
Zidane last captained his country in March against Malta and Israel.
Already qualified for next year's tournament in Portugal, the French hope to defend their title boosted by a perfect qualifying record in which they have so far won seven games, scoring 26
That contrasts sharply with their dismal World Cup campaign last year when they failed to score a goal.
"A grand slam would be a kind of reward for us and we must please the crowd and the people watching the game on television," Zidane said.
The Real Madrid playmaker said France had recovered the spirit which inspired them to win the 1998 World Cup.
"Our performance since the last World Cup has been more than positive," he said. "Our game of old has returned and there is a feeling we had gradually lost after the 1998 World Cup."