France

0-1

England

 

 

Shearer 86

 

 

 

Tournoi de France
Saturday 07 June 1997
La Mosson, Montpellier


England completed their second victory in the "Tournoi", and sixth consecutive victory in all competitions under Glenn Hoddle, with a 1-0 win against the hosts in Montpellier.

With England having failed to win in France since 1949, and with the current French side not having lost at home for three years, England knew they had a task on their hands.

They took some time to settle into the match and the opening exchanges were punctuated by several bruising collisions and subsequent yellow cards for the England men.

France on the other hand looked a potent force and provided several scary moments for England 'keeper David Seaman, including a cheeky Dugarry free-kick which required the assistance of Gary Neville to clear the ball from the line.

In the second half the French continued to probe and Seaman had to reproduce his Euro 96 heroics to keep the game goal-less. His most impressive moment came on 70 minutes, when he palmed away a Laigle piledriver destined for the top corner.

Then, with less than 5 minutes remaining, Alan Shearer popped up to win the game for England, and put them 5 points up in the "Tournoi" with 2 games played.

An uncharacteristic fumble by Barthez from a deflected Teddy Sheringham shot allowed Shearer to pounce - the SAS had done it again!