England's Under 17 women's team go down 2-1 to France at Clairefontaine
England's Under 17 women's team go down 2-1 to France at Clairefontaine...
France 2 - England 1
Women's Under-17 Friendly International
Clairefontaine, France
Friday 25th October 2002
An excellent performance by Hope Powell's Under-17 side will provide comfort this afternoon, although a late strike snatched the spoils for the home side who ended up 2-1 winners.
England's 18-strong squad travelled to Clairefontaine, the French Football Federation's national centre, for the age group's first ever match on foreign soil and can be proud of the way in which their overseas international careers began.
Powell's England started brightly and, with the twenty minute mark approaching, found themselves in front through the prowess of the Daniella Bird. With great awareness, the Southampton Saints forward made space in the box to send the ball beyond the helpless French 'keeper.
The running of England's number 9, Tranmere's Jodie Taylor, caused problems to the French rearguard whilst Karen Carney's tackling helped break down the home sides attacks until deep in stoppage time at the end of the first half when France manage to level matters.
After the break Hope Powell made wholesale changes to the line-up as all substitutes got their chance to shine, Lincoln City's Katie Holtham and Leanne Sanderson of Arsenal making the most of their opportunity from the bench with their tireless work on the ball looking for an opening that would win the game for the Three Lions.
However, with 75 minutes on the clock, France snatched a winner with a solo run and finish from just inside the box.
Though England will be disappointed with the result, they can certainly take heart from some of the football played and battling that deserved more.
Starting line up:
1 Carly TELFORD
2 Nicole EMMANUEL
3 Hayley KEMP
4 Eniola ALUKO
5 Emma REDHEAD
6 Darel POOLE (c)
7 Karen CARNEY
8 Bonnie HARWOOD
9 Jodie TAYLOR
10 Emma THOMAS
11 Daniella BIRD
Subs:
12 Lea COBHAM
13 Holly COX
14 Leanne SANDERSON
15 Julie LOWE
16 Katie HOLTHAM
17 Jill SCOTT
18 Kelly LEYLAND