France 0-2 England
The Algarve Tournament
Sunday 3 February 2008
Estadio Municipal Di Portimao, Portugal
England scored a psychological blow over European Elite Round Qualification rivals France by defeating them on Sunday.
Chelsea's Jacob Mellis and Newcastle forward Ryan Donaldson scored the goals as England followed up their win over Denmark just 24 hours earlier.
The Young Lions will meet France in the Elite Round next month in Tel Aviv and a similar result would make them favourites to reach the Finals in Turkey.
"I'm pleased with result," said Head Coach John Peacock. "We rode our luck at times, particularly in first half.
"There was a fantastic attitude from the players to protect the clean sheet but there are plenty of lessons to be learned."
A clean sheet looked unlikely during the early exchanges as France exerted their dominance.
English defenders stuck to their task however but they had Andros Townsend to thank after he cleared a header off the line.
England began to get a foot in the game and should have taken the lead when Dean Parrett sent Donaldson clear but he fired wide.
Mellis was more accurate on 15 minutes to hand England the lead, slotting home Donaldson's cut back after good work from Crystal Palace starlet John Bostock and Townsend.
France's search for an immediate reply ended in frustration. First England captain Jack Rodwell blocked a goalbound effort before the woodwork twice thwarted their hunt for an equaliser.
England rubbed salt in the wound by scoring against the run of play. After Townsend was hauled down in the box, Donaldson scored from the spot.
France had a number of chances after the break, the best of which, on 49 minutes, required a super save from Declan Rudd who tipped a header over the bar.
Substitute Loic Damour was a menace after his introduction but England managed to keep the shackles on him to record an excellent win.
England meet Portugal on Tuesday in their final game of the tournament.
England: Rudd, Briggs (Smith 70), Rodwell (C), Bartley (Eckersley 40), O'Neill, Parrett, Bostock (Mutch 65), Mellis (James 44) , Watt (Nouble 40), Donaldson, Townsend (Noble 70).
Goals: Mellis 15, Donaldson 34 (pen)