France claim two tight victories over England across two days in friendly fixtures
Perhaps the French enjoyed a slight advantage as the two friendly matches against England (16th and 17th May) were played on the home sand at Saint-Médard-en-Jalles (Gironde), but either way, both games were entertaining and close.
Following two decisive victories over neighbouring Belgium the month before, France claimed their first of the two wins against England on May 16th with a fairly goal-dry fixture, ending 2-1 to the home side.
Julien Soares opened the scoring and then a cheeky lob from Victor Angeletti made it two. England managed to pull a goal back through Aaron Clarke but it wasn’t enough to force extra time.
Day two saw another close contest but this time with a few more goals. England took an early lead but a second goal in two days from Soares brought the French level. Stéphane François then put the Blues in front again, only for England to claw their way back to level terms.
With 17 seconds to go, another goal from Victor Angeletti from a freekick snatched victory for the French in the dying moments of the game.
After the second game François commented that:
“These two victories are the main thing but the matches were tighter than expected, facing a team normally below us but which offered a nice opposition.”
