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France 1 - 0 England

March 26, 2008

david beckhamFabio Capello suffered his first defeat as England manager tonight losing 1-o to France in what was a dismal performance by Capello’s team.

David Beckham was given a starting place in his 100 appearance for his country tonight. Comparing to Capello’s first match John Terry started at the back in place of Matthew Upson and Jenas was replaced by Owen Hardgreaves.

France were without several first team players including Henry and Viera. Anelka started up front with Trezeguet. Capello started with Rooney alone up front supported by Gerrard, similar to how Gerrard plays with Torres at Liverpool.

England did actually control the game in the fist half for the first 3o minutes, with the best chance being a cross which Beckham tried to get on the end of. France scored after 32 minutes when Francois Clerc’s ball along the channel found Anelka, who brought down by David James, a clearcut penalty.

Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery slotted the ball home from 12-yards sending James the wrong way.

At the half time break Capello changed things around with four subs and moving to 4-4-2. Crouch and Owen came on to play upfront, Terry was replaced by Lescott and Joe Cole by Downing. Despite the more attacking formation chances were scarce  and it was France that had the best opportunities to score, one falling to Anelka and one to Cisse.

Overall it was a very disappointing night for England. Although the back four looked solid the team could have played for another hour and still not scored.

Written by JPC · Filed Under England, Internationals 


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