France entertained a large global audience with a smooth passing game that left English players chasing the action for long stretches, but the French inability to finish allowed England to take a respectable point and a chance to rekindle its ambitions. Both sides will be searching for three crucial points after host nation Ukraine defeated Sweden in an entertaining match to take command of the group.
Laurent Blanc’s men created early and often, but nearly fell behind to a blitzing counter that ended with James Milner rounding the French keeper Hugo Lloris, only to miss the open net. Against the run of play, England did take the lead on a set piece when defender Lescott slipped behind Alou Diarra to head in from close range a ball beautifully floated by Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard.
Diarra nearly made amends a couple of minutes later, but was denied by an exceptional reflex stop by the English keeper and a poor second effort. England’s lead only lasted ten minutes, Samir Nasri the scorer of a French equalizer that will be remembered primarily for Nasri’s thunderous celebration.
After the interval, France continued to create and controlled the pace, but lacked the concentration to connect on a night when three points were theirs for the taking. Roy Hodgson has a lot to think about before the Sweden clash. The glaring problem for England, who sorely missed Rooney against the French, is its midfield. Ribery, Malouda and Nasri pressed through Gerrard, Milner and Parker with ease on many occasions and the English trio was on its heels for the most part. England’s main danger man was Alex Chamberlain, whose quick bursts tested the French defenders. The insertion of Theo Walcott and Rooney’s return should improve England physically and psychologically going forward.
Meanwhile in Kiev, a spectacular double from veteran star Andrei Shevchenko canceled out an Ibra opener and stunned the large Swedish contingent that made the trip to Ukraine. Sweden missed a number of chances to equalize near the end and saw its chances of progressing greatly diminished. For the locals, and for a great champion like Shevchenko, it was a night to remember.