In just his second match in charge, Fabio Capello suffered his first defeat as England coach with his team putting in a largely disappointing performance in Paris against France.

England were looking relatively solid until a lapse of concentration at the back, just after the half hour, gave Nicolas Anelka a clear run on goal. That was stopped abruptly when he was brought down by England keeper David James, not the first time he’s given away a spot kick against the French.

Franck Ribery made no mistake with the resultant penalty and in truth, England never looked like getting back on terms.

Steven Gerrard missed with two difficult headed chances while Florent Malouda, Anelka and Ribery all went close to a second for the hosts.

David Beckham lasted 63 minutes on the night he won his 100th cap.

It was not the result the LA Galaxy midfielder would have wanted to mark such a significant occasion, while there was little to suggest Rio Ferdinand had staked a strong case to be made captain on a permanent basis.
 
However, Fabio Capello remained relatively upbeat saying “”I’m actually quite happy because I have seen improvements. “We played against a top-level team and I think we did well.”
 
When asked why he was pleased with his side’s performance, Capello added: “The way we played, we didn’t let the opposition play too much and especially, the way we played with personality. We did especially well in the first half, but unfortunately we conceded the penalty.”

Beckham said the game at the Stade de France was a special moment for him, despite the defeat.
 
“I was very emotional even during the build-up to the game today,” Beckham explained. “I kept getting messages from family and friends about it and I had to hold back the tears.

“It was an emotional moment for myself and my whole family. They have been there for me through the ups and the downs and there have been more highs than lows.

“Tonight was a high for me. We have lost the game and we are disappointed.

“But we held our own and we played well in the first half and I don’t think we deserved to be 1-0 down. On a personal level, to play my 100th game for my country is something special and I am proud my whole family was here tonight.”