Cruel blow

England were brought back down to earth in the cruellest way possible, conceding two very late goals to lose a game against France they had seemed all but certain to win.

A first-half Frank Lampard goal and a performance brimful of bravery and commitment had Sven’s men 1-0 up with 90 minutes on the clock. It was then that Zinedine Zidane turned the game on its head with consummate strikes from a free-kick and then a penalty.

Sven had plumped for Ledley King in place of the rapidly recovering John Terry at centre half and the Tottenham man – playing against his new club boss Jacques Santini – hardly put a foot wrong. Not that he will be feeling very happy after such a rude ending to his introduction to international tournament football.

The start was tense with France perhaps taking the first twenty minutes on points. Zidane and Vieira both fired in early efforts. England were fluid without being fabulous at that stage. It wasn’t until Gerrard picked-up a 25th minute pass from Beckham and drove right at the heart of the French defence that we really committed ourselves to a fully-fledged attack.

There was no doubting England’s commitment to the physical challenge though. Lampard, Scholes and Rooney led the way in denying the French time to think.

There were early jousts all over the pitch – the Pires/Cole confrontation was always engrossing - but you sensed the meat of the matter was still to come.

Then it happened. Gary Neville found his old ally David Beckham down the right and the England Captain was fouled by Lizarazu in the same spot that the team had been perfecting their free-kicks when they visited the Stadium of Light on Saturday night.

Beckham whipped it in and Frank Lampard won the right to meet the centre with a perfect near-post header which flashed past Barthez in an instant. Joy for the whole of England and credit to Lampard.

He has had the season of his life and made it impossible for Sven to ignore his claims to a starting place. His 37th minute strike unquestionably confirmed his ability to translate domestic excellence to international pedigree.

Jacques Santini has acknowledged England’s threat from set-pieces earlier in the week. Then again, we had had a feeling that Zidane might be a threat. Forewarned is not always forearmed.

The confidence the goal gave was obvious. They may be gods of football, but Henry, Zidane and Vieira can be overcome with the right combination of will and skill. However, that will now need to proven on another day.

France and, in particular, Henry came out for the second half with all guns blazing. Two shots saved by James demonstrated the Arsenal man’s intentions as did his strong appeals for a penalty when Gary Neville got in the way of his cross from the left. This was the real Henry.

Scholes tried to redress the balance with a hefty challenge on Vieira and was promptly booked. He may need to watch himself if he’s to survive the tournament without a suspension.

When Zidane ballooned one over on the hour, you just wondered whether this might be England’s time. He must have been teasing us.

Then Rooney took centre stage. His 71st minute run through the heart of France was a force of nature. You felt sorry for Silvestre who had to try, somehow, to stop the teenager in full flow. He couldn’t do it legally and might have been sent-off for his wayward lunge.

Anyway, we had a penalty and the opportunity to move out of sight. Beckham struck his effort powerfully towards the left corner. Barthez made the save of his life to keep it out.

After disappointing during his spell at United it was just like football that Barthez should come back to haunt us.

Suddenly the momentum was most definitely with France. England dropped deep as Santini’s side began to pound the door rather than knock at it.

Sven brought on Heskey and Hargreaves in an effort to restore calm. Trying to do his defensive duties, Heskey fouled Vieira on the edge of the box.

Zidane stepped up. There was literally seconds left on the clock. His free-kick was perfection. David James didn’t move.

England were rocked, France were roused further still.

Gerrard tried to find James but Henry got there first. James caught him rather than the ball. Clear penalty.

The French were celebrating before Zidane put his penalty in the same spot he had put his free-kick - only harder.

Emptiness, shock, disbelief and disappointment. England’s players and fans will share the emotions. But there is no time for them.

Switzerland on Thursday is now an even bigger game than this one.

Sven will tell his team to learn their lessons and take heart from their overall performance.

If we can, we might just get the chance to meet France again.

France Goals: Zidane 90, Zidane 90

England Goals: Lampard 38