France 3-2 England
Not from sports betting you understand.
Many of you will agree with me that online betting is one of the finer things in life!
I mean rest for European players from football games.
After a long, hard season, the fact this contest went ahead of June 13 – let’s not forget it was only a friendly – was probably of limited help to both managers Didier Deschamps and Gareth Southgate.
Of course, they will have learned something from what was a highly watchable encounter in the Stade de France.
That in Harry Kane, England and Spurs have a striker who is fast developing into a world class talent.
That England need time to adapt if Southgate is to introduce a back three on a regular basis against leading opposition.
That France can be one of the favourites for next summer’s World Cup if they continue to develop at pace.
Of course, tonight was not just about the football.
Nineteen months after the nations met in a Wembley friendly and honoured the victims of the Paris attacks, so they were again hosting tributes in Paris, this time following recent terror attacks in London and Manchester.
Theresa May and the French President were among the crowd as fans united to sing La Marseillaise and God Save the Queen.
There was even some Oasis, while French fans made up a mosaic of the St George’s Cross behind the goal before a minute’s silence was impeccably observed, with both sets of players standing together.
That spirit was evident throughout the 90 minutes – the sight of club team-mates Paul Pogba and Phil Jones exchanging a hug midway through the second half was ample proof.
It wasn’t solely an atmosphere of love and respect though.
A Mexican wave among fans off the pitch, was accompanied by some feisty tackles on the pitch.
Once the action started, Kane and Samuel Umtiti exchanged goals and, as France flourished, England began to look uncomfortable – Djibril Sidibe slotting in his first international goal to give the hosts the lead just before the break.
It was level pegging almost as quickly following the break as Kane converted a penalty to make it 2-2, this after the use of video evidence saw Raphael Varane sent off as he was adjudged to have committed a professional foul on Dele Alli.
Back level against 10 men, England sensed the win. They sensed wrong.
France were better technically and Ousmane Dembele fired home the winner 11 minutes from time.
On a night of emotion, on a night of many changes to both line-ups, the result was really secondary.
Yet the lessons learned on both sides may prove vital next summer, if heeded.
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more football betting options.
