Point For England

England Line-Up: Hart, Johnson, Terry, Lescott, Cole, Milner, Gerrard (c), Parker (Defoe, 78'), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Henderson, 78'), Young, Rooney
France Line-Up: Lloris (c), Mexes, Evra, Rami, Debuchy, Malouda (Ben Arfa, 84'), Diarra, Cabaye (Martin, 84'), Ribery, Benzema, Nasri

England's campaign begins with a point against the hardest team in the group. England's new efficient regime almost paid off when Joleon Lescott took the lead, but the lead would only last for less than ten minutes when Samir Nasri equalised for Les Bleus.

Joe Hart had an edgy start to the game, coming and failing to collect two early corners. But, for the most part, England looked more threatening despite France passing the ball around quicker. England's best chance, early on, came when Ashley Young played the ball through to James Milner, the midfielder rounded Hugo Lloris but the placed his shot wide.

Hart was the keeper involved more often with Yohan Cabaye and Franck Ribery testing the Premier League champion. But England found the breakthrough on the half hour mark when a Steven Gerrard free-kick was met by Lescott who headed past Lloris, marking his first goal for his country.

France then responded with Alou Diarra meeting a free-kick that produced a wonderful save from Hart. But England's resilience was finally broke down nine minutes after taking the lead, a nice interchange saw the ball played to Nasri. England were slow to close the midfielder down and Nasri fired a shot that beat Hart at his near post from outside the area.

The second half went virtually the same way as the first, both team cancelling each other out as both defences dealt with the pressure. Hart was again worked more then Lloris but not enough to alter the 1-1 scoreline.