French class shines through as England slump

FABIO CAPELLO opened a door on the future for England – and the fans did not like what they saw as the Three Lions were jeered off after defeat to France at Wembley last night.

Aside from Andy Carroll, who did well with such little service, and Steven Gerrard, there were few positives for England until Peter Crouch’s goal within seconds of his arrival.

It took the Tottenham forward just over a minute to turn home Ashley Young’s corner and claim his 22nd international goal, joint 15th on England’s all-time list.

But it was not enough to threaten a superior French team who had claimed a matchwinning lead through Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena.

Captain Rio Ferdinand admitted England’s slow start cost them dearly.

Ferdinand said: “We didn’t really pass the ball and we didn’t really get going until the last 15 minutes. We didn’t control the ball and we didn’t retain possession.”

There were clear deficiencies. Right-back Phil Jagielka had a major problem, his starting positions too often incorrect. Florent Malouda certainly enjoyed himself, cutting in from his left-wing station regularly as France took control of the first-half.

Malouda almost caught Ben Foster out with a shot from the edge of the area after he had been presented with far too much room to advance into. Yoann Gourcuff brought an excellent save from Joe Hart’s deputy as his shot dipped wickedly.

These events were the precursor to Benzema’s fine 16th-minute strike.

Questions should not just be asked of how Foster was beaten at his near post. Others should be raised of the ease with which the Real Madrid forward was first able to take possession, and race unchecked as he belted Malouda’s return pass home.

One of three half-time changes, Micah Richards introduced at full-back to allow Jagielka to return to a role he is more comfortable with in the centre, should have made England a more durable defensive unit. It barely made a difference.

Bacary Sagna scored a decisive over club teammate Kieran Gibbs when he shot down the touchline unopposed, exposing a chronic lack of cover, before crossing into a penalty area where the dangerous Valbuena arrived with perfect timing to finish.

The excellent Nasri struck the post before Crouch turned home Ashley Young’s corner five minutes from time. But it was too little, too late.

ENGLAND: Foster, Jagielka Gibbs (Warnock 72), Ferdinand (Richards 46), Lescott, Gerrard (Crouch 84), Walcott (A Johnson 46), Henderson, Barry (Young 46), Milner, Carroll (Bothroyd 72).

FRANCE: Lloris, Sagna (Reveillere 86), Rami, Mexes (Sakho 46), Abidal, Gourcuff (Hoarau 85), Nasri, Malouda (Payet 77), M’Vila, Benzema (Remy 67), Valbuena (Diarra 68).

Referee: Bo Larsen.