France held to a draw as England impress

France held to a draw as England impress
AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE

SEPT 3: This was a friendly only in name as both France and England got stuck in as if it was the World Cup final here at the Stade de France on Saturday, the two old enemies battling to a 1-1 draw.

The game was played at a frenetic pace but on occasion was England who looked more like World Champions, creating a number of good opportunities.

Youngster Gareth Barry showed why coach Kevin Keegan had preferred him to Phil Neville at left-back showing great composure both in defence and going forward, and it was his left-foot shot after some neat England passing that opened the chances.

``Barry was excellent at the back as well as going forward and Nicky Barmby must have covered every blade of grass on the pitch,'' added Keegan.

Zidane had recovered from his earlier battering from Wise and looked the only Frenchman who had come to play as he began to run at the English.

It was Zidane's mazy run that eventually led to Nicolas Anelka finding space just inside the box, but the former Arsenal man curled a left-foot shot wide.

England then had a flurry of chances and should have opened the scoring.

Wise lofted in a long cross with Andy Cole leaping to meet it with a strong header that was destined for the top corner before Lama acrobatically tipped it over.