France 1-1 England

UEFA European U19 Championship
The Oval, Belfast
18 July 2005

The England U19s have drawn 1-1 with France in the opening match of their UEFA European U19 Championship campaign.

The two favoured sides in Group B exchanged first half goals - Abdoulaye Balde equalising Matthew Fryatt’s opening strike.

In the opening moments, England looked to have the better of France as Martin Hunter’s side dictated play and tested the abilities of Hugo Lloris in the French goal.

France are not one of the fancied teams at this tournament for nothing and on six minutes it was they who carved out the first real chance of the match.

Running between Matthew Mills and Martin Cranie, French forward Yohan Gouffran latched on to ball clipped over England’s defence but his tame effort was gathered by a grateful David Martin.

Four minutes later, though, Martin Hunter’s side took the lead. France lost possession high up thepitch and Cranie took the opportunity to play a deft pass out of defence to Ryan Smith.

England had options on both flanks but the Arsenal midfielder opted for a slide-rule pass through the centre to Matthew Fryatt who controlled the ball with one touch before calmly steering a low shot under Lloris.

Walsall striker Fryatt showed impressive composure though his cause was assisted by Lloris, who charged way off his goal line in a vain attempt to close Fryatt down.

The lead only lasted ten minutes, however, as Abdoulaye Balde was afforded far too much time and space in the England third. Having taken a couple of touches to steady himself, the Amiens forward charged into the penalty area and drove a low left-foot shot past a helpless Martin.

Few chances came after that as both sides dropped back, not wanting to go behind in a match which will go a long way to deciding Group B.

It took until the hour mark for another effort on goal when the impressive Yohan Gourcuff cut inside Taylor and flashed a right-footed shot past the post.

The impressive Gourcouff was at it again when a low cross nearly created a goal for Balde, whose shot was blocked by Cranie.

England were still looking to come forward themselves and they went close when Leadbitter’s 25-yard free-kick was only half-dealt with by Lloris.

Despite losing a lead, Hunter and England will be content with a draw, knowing that Wednesday’s game against Armenia now takes on extra significance.

France v England, UEFA European U19 Championship, 18 July 2005

France: Hugo Lloris, Yassin Moutaouakil, Mohamed Chakouri, Didier Digard, Frederic Sammaritano (Djamel Abdoun, 75), Olivier Nsiambanfunu, Yourtes Kaboul, Yohan Gourcuff, Florian Marange, Abdoulaye Balde, Yohan Gouffran (Moussa Sow, 82).
Subs not used: Cedric Cambon, Geoffrey Jourdren

Goals: Balde 19

England: David Martin - MK Dons, Anthony McMahon - Middlesbrough, Matthew Mills - Southampton, Martin Cranie - Southampton (capt.), Andrew Taylor - Middlesbrough, Grant Leadbitter - Sunderland, Mark Noble - West Ham United, Ryan Jarvis - Norwich City (Dexter Blackstock - Southampton, 69), James Morrison - Middlesbrough (Ryan Smith - Arsenal, 72), Matthew Fryatt - Walsall (Richard Jones - Manchester United, 89), Lee Holmes - Derby County.
Subs not used: John Ruddy - Everton, Laurence Wilson - Everton, David Wheater - Middlesbrough, Philip Ifil

Goals: Fryatt 9

Booked: Lee Holmes, 35; Grant Leadbitter, 56; Nsiambanfunu, 90.

Referee: Matteo Trefoloni (Italy)

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