Fabio Capello suffered his first defeat as England coach as a Franck Ribery penalty proved enough to hand France a 1-0 win in Paris.
David Beckham made all the pre-match headlines, lining up from the start for his 100th international appearance.
But Ribery but a dampener on Beckham's night converting from the spot after David James brought down Nicolas Anelka in the first half.
And England struggled with Wayne Rooney isolated upfront in the first, keeping possession without creating any real goalscoring opportunities.
Peter Crouch and Michael Owen led the line as England converted from the first half 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2 in the second half, but if anything England looked less likely scoring after the break.
And Beckham was replaced by David Bentley to a standing ovation from the Stade De France crowd in the 63rd minute.
But the man who could push Beckham out of the international fold for the last time had little success on a night where no England player stood out.
Wednesday 26 March 2008
Tuesday 25 March 2008
THE CASE FOR RIO FERDINAND
Rio Ferdinand has been named England captain for the friendly with France this week - and perhaps he should get the job permanently.
The Manchester United defender was been outstanding all season, reinforcing his reputation as one of the best centre-backs in the world.
If you look at the realistic candidates for captain - John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Ferdinand - Rio is the stand-out candidate.
John Terry's lack of pace has at times left him exposed for England, with questions being asked as to whether his committed style of defending is suited to international level.
Steven Gerrard is a fantastic captain for Liverpool, but he has struggled to reproduce his club form for England.
And while Wayne Rooney is a fantastic talent and probably the first name on the team-sheet, he is still young, inexperienced and hot-headed. His time to lead his country may come - but not yet.
That brings us to Rio. Probably the most naturally talented defender England has produced since Bobby Moore, a popular member of the squad and has produced his best performances during World Cups, most notably back in 2002.
Blackspots on his CV include his ban for missing a drugs test, and concerns over his playboy lifestyle.
But looking at performances on the pitch for club and country - he surely has to be an outstanding candidate to lead England into the next World Cup.
The Manchester United defender was been outstanding all season, reinforcing his reputation as one of the best centre-backs in the world.
If you look at the realistic candidates for captain - John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Ferdinand - Rio is the stand-out candidate.
John Terry's lack of pace has at times left him exposed for England, with questions being asked as to whether his committed style of defending is suited to international level.
Steven Gerrard is a fantastic captain for Liverpool, but he has struggled to reproduce his club form for England.
And while Wayne Rooney is a fantastic talent and probably the first name on the team-sheet, he is still young, inexperienced and hot-headed. His time to lead his country may come - but not yet.
That brings us to Rio. Probably the most naturally talented defender England has produced since Bobby Moore, a popular member of the squad and has produced his best performances during World Cups, most notably back in 2002.
Blackspots on his CV include his ban for missing a drugs test, and concerns over his playboy lifestyle.
But looking at performances on the pitch for club and country - he surely has to be an outstanding candidate to lead England into the next World Cup.
RIO GETS THE NOD
Rio Ferdinand has been named captain for the international Friendly with France on Wednesday.
The Manchester United defender has been in fine form this season but the decision comes as a shock to most pundits.
John Terry has been expected to be restored to the role after missing Fabio Capello's first game against Switzerland through injury.
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard replaced Terry as captain in the Italian's first game in charge last month.
There was also rumours David Beckham, set to become only the fifth Englishman to reach a century of caps could be handed back the armband for the occasion.
Capello has said he plans to rotate the captaincy before deciding on a permanent leader for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Manchester United defender has been in fine form this season but the decision comes as a shock to most pundits.
John Terry has been expected to be restored to the role after missing Fabio Capello's first game against Switzerland through injury.
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard replaced Terry as captain in the Italian's first game in charge last month.
There was also rumours David Beckham, set to become only the fifth Englishman to reach a century of caps could be handed back the armband for the occasion.
Capello has said he plans to rotate the captaincy before deciding on a permanent leader for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Sunday 23 March 2008
UNITED EDGE CLOSER TO TITLE
Manchester United were the benefactors on an exciting day of Premier League action.
They beat rivals Liverpool 3-0 thanks to goals from Wes Brown, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.
Javier Mascherano was controversially sent off after picking up a second yellow for dissent in the first half with United just 1-0 up.
And Chelsea came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 thanks to two goals from Didier Drogba to ease the pressure on Avram Grant.
The results leave United five points clear at the top of the table and looking huge favourites to retain their Premier League crown with just seven games left in the season.
They beat rivals Liverpool 3-0 thanks to goals from Wes Brown, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.
Javier Mascherano was controversially sent off after picking up a second yellow for dissent in the first half with United just 1-0 up.
And Chelsea came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 thanks to two goals from Didier Drogba to ease the pressure on Avram Grant.
The results leave United five points clear at the top of the table and looking huge favourites to retain their Premier League crown with just seven games left in the season.
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