18 Nov 2010

England well beaten by France at Wembley

1:07 pm on 18 November 2010

A late England rally couldn't disguise a gulf in class and technique as France earned a deserved 2-1 victory in their football friendly at Wembley.

The England manager Fabio Capello gave youth its chance in the shape of debutants Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson - but the friendly provided few positives for the coach as France's quality and composure left England distinctly second best.

Peter Crouch, on as substitute for the injured Steven Gerrard, capped an England surge of sorts with his 22nd goal in 41 England appearances, but France's narrow margin of victory did not truly reflect the dominance they exerted for so much of the game.

Capello admits at times his side was outplayed by France....