England and France both get their 2012 European Championship campaigns up in running in the heat in Donetsk, despite a late 7pm kick-off time in the Ukraine. Join us at 2am for live scores and blog of England vs France in Euro 2012.
England supporters are often considered to have unrealistic expectations of a team which has long failed to live up to pre-tournament billing, but there is no such brash over-confidence this time with injuries and the suspension of Wayne Rooney.
New coach Roy Hodgson in many ways cannot lose, as after his late appointment following the departure of Fabio Capello a place in the quarter-finals alone could be viewed as an achievement.
The defence would seem to pick itself with Ashley Cole, Joleon Lescott, John Terry and Glen Johnson in front of Joe Hart – a backline which played 50 minutes as a unit against Belgium in England’s final warm-up game.
Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker will patrol the middle of the park with James Milner and Theo Walcot out wide. There is the chance that Hodgson could yet hand a starting place to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but his uncertain performance against the Belgians suggests he will be better as an impact substitute.
Danny Welbeck has pushed himself in front of Andy Carroll for the role in front of Ashley Young.
Whereas Hodgson is likely to play a defensive style and look to hit France on the break, Laurent Blanc’s side have the flair to cause plenty of problems.
How England deal with their fluid play – keeping shape and not allowing Les Bleus’ attack to exploit space – could decide the game.
France, unbeaten in 21 matches, had a mixed warm-up schedule, trailing 2-0 at home to Iceland before late goals earned a 3-2 win.
They improved in beating Serbia and were far more impressive in thrashing Estona 4-0 in Le Mans on Tuesday; the latter performance either acts as a pointer to their actual ability or could simply have masked the deficiencies.
Patrice Evra was particularly suspect against Iceland and although he was replaced by Gael Clichy for the Serbia game he will keep his place with Philippe Mexes and Adil Rami in the centre. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris captains the side while Premier League target Mathieu Debuchy slots in at right-back.
With Yann M’Vila out, Alou Diarra will play a holding role while Yohan Cabaye acts in a support role. Florent Malouda, Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri are a dangerous attacking triumvirate with Karim Benzema, who scored twice against Estonia, as the lone striker.
The last time the two countries met was at Wembley in November 2010, when a youthful France side outclassed England 2-1. Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena put France in command before Peter Crouch scored a late consolation. Only 16 of the 34 players who featured in that game are at Euro 2012.
France – Player to watch: Franck Ribery. The Bayern Munich midfielder-cum-forward has struggled to find top gear in international football, and yet much may rest on his shoulders. His forward drives will be a feature of France’s approach and if he flatters to deceive then his team may do so too.
England – Player to watch: Ashley Young. Just over a year ago Ashley Young had started only two matches for England but now he is one of the first names on the team-sheet.
Acting as the conduit between midfield and the striker, Young has scored five goals in seven international appearances over the past 12 months, and created Welbeck’s winner against Belgium. He will look to unlock the unconvincing centre-back pairing of Mexes and Rami.
Prediction: Though England could get a result due to Hodgson’s ability to get the most out of underdogs, France should have too much in the attacking third, however, if England sold defence can keep the likes of Ribery, Benzema and Malouda quiet, an upset might be on the cards. England 1-0
Stevo
Guest
Where do England go from here? Rooney can add potency up front to give more of a cutting edge. Then Hodgson's park-the-bus approach could be more effective. I can see France growing into the tournament. They have players and the style and on the night could be dangerous - probably need to have swifter movement to break open a stubborn defense. OK game but not the quality of Spain v Italy.
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
Full Time Report Full Time here in Donetsk England 1 France 1 Not the most entertaining second half, no team rode their luck or too many chances and/or risks. France controlled the possession and the passing game for the whole 90. England came into it in the second half, but didnt have too much to offer. France didnt really test Joe Hart in the second interval, John Terry and co. werent really troubled as Les Blues didnt really create too many clear-cut chances. Overall a cagey performance from both sides, and despite the statistics going towards the French, a draw was a fair result. France England 20(6) Shots (on Goal) 5(1) 9 Fouls 7 11 Corner Kicks 4 0 Offsides 5 64% Time of Possession 36% 0 Yellow Cards 2 0 Red Cards 0 0 Saves 5 What are your thoughts of the game?
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
SUBSTITUTION ENGLAND 90th Minute OFF: Danny Welbeck ON: Theo Walcott
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
SUBSTITUTION FRANCE: 84th Minute DOUBLE OFF: Yohan Cabaye ON: Hatem Ben Arfa OFF: Florent Malouda ON: Marvin Martin
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
SUBSTITUTION ENGLAND: 77th Minute DOUBLE SUB OFF: Alex Oxelade-Chamberlain ON: Jermaine Defoe OFF: Scott Parker On: Jordan Henderson
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
75th Minute in: Scores still locked at 1-1. England have come into the game more. They look more threatening but cant seem to find the final ball. Their midfield havent quite been at their best, and the attack is very quiet. The tempo has slowed down slightly. England will enjoy that. Ribery has had a quiet second half, so has Nasri. The three lions have certainly learnt their lesson from the first half. Steven Gerrard has been poor offensively but strong defensively. Substitutes might be needed to change the game around. Samir Nasri's move infield to link up with Ribery looks dangerous, but the defence of England is on the ball. Scott Parker has not been at his best today. Possibly his injury getting the better of him. The game is starting to look more cagey and no risks have been taken as of yet. The French passing game is still the controlling the match. But nothing special is report in the last 15 minutes. Business end of the game coming up. This is where it will get interesting.
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
60th Minute in: Second half has started where the first left off. France dominating possession and the passing game. As good as the French football is, the English defence dont seem too trouble. John Terry is controlling the defence like he always does, Lescott is playing his part too. The attack for England have softened slighltly, the ox and Ashley Young havent had too much of the ball. The midfield is starting to have a say in the game now shutting Nasri and Ribery down slightly better than they were in the first interval. Both teams still in it, its going to be a great last half hour. Anyone can win this. One of the teams have to take a gamble.
Sahizan Sagi
Guest
In God Will France will win tonite if not 2-1 maybe 3-1 or BIG WIN 4-1 heheheh Long live Les Blues
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
HALF TIME REPORT: Game drawn at 1-1. Lescott's first ever goal for his country with a header from a set piece gave England the lead, then Nasri equalised with a great low strike. Its been a lively and entertaining game, both teams having chances. France dominating possesion. Joe Hart has produced some wonderul saves including a stinging header from Diarra. The French interplay has been great, despite the French goal they cant seem to break down JT and co. at the back. Parker is having good game but cant keep up with the speed of the Les Blues midfield. Gerrard has been relatively quiet. I think we are going to see more of the same in the second half. Ribery, Nasri are having great games. So is the OX, and the English defence. The English midfield have been quiet and just seem to be outplayed by their oppostition France England 9(4) Shots (on Goal) 2(1) 5 Fouls 3 5 Corner Kicks 0 0 Offsides 3 62% Time of Possession 38% 0 Yellow Cards 1 0 Red Cards 0 0 Saves 3
Stevo
Guest
Really deserved for France against England specializing in playing non- football.
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
GOAL!!!!! France equalise! 1-1 Samir Nasri equalises with a wonderful strike on the edge of the box. His Manchester City counterpart saw it too late! great goal!
Johnno
Guest
What a save as good as you will see. like swarchers save in Muscat Oman in 40 degree heat
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
GOAL!!!!!!! England Score!!!!!! Joelen Lescott scores off a set piece, Wonderful free kick whipped in by Gerrard! Lescott as he does best heads the ball in the back of the net. 1-0 England (Lescott 30') 30 Minutes In: Speed is still lively - England lead 1-0 Welbeck picked up a slight knock but runs it off. Assistant ref has made couple wrong decisions in regards to offsides. But nothing major to report. England are giving Mexes and Rami hard time down the flanks as Evra keeps rushing up. England pace on the flanks is hurting France. England must track Benzema's smart runs, his runs are opening up space in the final third for Nasri and Ribery to exploit as JT and Lescott are trying to keep track of the Madrid striker.
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
Yes Johnno, I agree, Benzema is one of the deadliest stikers in the world. He has all the aspects of being a wonderful striker, he is still very young too!
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
20 Minutes in: England havent really created any clear cut chances besides James Milner's open goal. The French look really quick off the blocks and Ribery looks dangerous. Joe Hart has produced a couple good saves. 3 Lions starting to settle. James Milner missed an open goal after rounding the keeper. Delicate ball from Gerrard. Game has a real good pace to it, both teams seem they want to win it. OX is growing in to the game. England playing well but so are Les Blues. Overall: Both teams looking dangerous Stats: France England 2(1) Shots (on Goal) 1(0) 1 Fouls 2 2 Corner Kicks 0 0 Offsides 2 52% Time of Possession 48%
Johnno
Guest
benzma is super talanted pgdeon89 do you acknowledge that, he is the biggest natural talent in world football since Pele
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
JAMES MILNER MISSES OPEN GOAL! ENGALND STARTING TO PLAY THEIR PART
Johnno
Guest
Benzama is the key he is the most naturally talented player in world football. More natural talent than Messi or Ronaldo. He could be anything Benzama.
pgedeon89
Roar Rookie
10 Minutes in: Lively start to the game, the OX seems up for it and you can start to see the tone of the match being set with France controlling and England ready for the counter France trying to exploit the flanks. Benzema looks up for the challenge of Terry and Lescott - the English midfield need to stop the ball getting to Nasri orelse it can be a long afternoon.
Stevo
Guest
Have to be pretty good to beat last nights game between Spain and Italy!!!!!