Rebecca's Rambles…

Millions of England fans tuned in last night to watch England lose 2-1 to France at Wembley stadium.  The last game of the year, so what went wrong?

France started the better team from the moment the whistle blew. After 16 minutes France took a well-deserved lead. Benzema took his opportunity in the penalty area, with help from Florent Malouda, and directed the ball with force to the bottom corner.

France had a very dynamic midfield arrangement and throughout the match Henderson and Gareth Berry England’s midfield duo had a difficult time claiming position. France’s second goal came only ten minutes after the second half.

However, England continuously tried to keep the stamina and pace going but France ultimately played 90 minutes of good possession, arrangement and drive. Steven Gerrard limped off the pitch, 85^th minute, with his hamstring injury. This decision was defended by England manager Fabio Capello.
Peter Crouch’s goal did not go unnoticed and caused excitement amongst England fans; however it was a little too late for the England squad.

Fabio Capello said, (BBC interview): “It was important that some of the young players played at Wembley against a really good team, important for the future,”

The question we all want to know, what line-up will Capello surprise us with next?

SCORING SUMMARY

FRA – Karim Benzema (Florent Malouda) 16’
FRA – Mathieu Valbuena (Bacary Sagna) 55’
ENG – Peter Crouch (Ashley Young) 86’

LINEUPS

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

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

See Yahoo’s coverage of the game