The 1998 World Cup winners were pulled apart in a 2-0 defeat by European champions Spain in Paris and the home fans were not slow to show their displeasure.

"If you don't play well, you have to expect they will whistle you and you have to deal with it," Henry, 32, told The Sunday Times.

"I got whistled, [coach Raymond] Domenech got whistled and it was the same for Franck [Ribery], when he was substituted and for Nico [Anelka] when he went off.

"People here continue to look back at the France team of 1998 and when we lose, they don't like it."

Henry admitted neither his performance nor that of the team was up to standard.

"We just spent the game chasing," he said. "I felt heavy and I didn't have any pace."

The Barcelona man insisted the French players will do all they can to ensure they can challenge in South Africa this summer.

"We are going to work very hard at reaching a level where we can," he said.

"There are a lot people who cannot see us as contenders but you also have to remember against Spain we were playing a team from another world.

"You just cannot get the ball off them. I know how good Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique are because I practise every day with them.

"But there's also Cesc [Fabregas], Xabi Alonso and when David Villa goes off, on comes Fernando Torres.

"Then you have Iker Casillas in goal, winning games and not letting Spain lose any, with his 100 caps at 28.

"They are a great team to watch on television, but impossible to play against."