Football unites as one with England victory over France

Delightful Dele

It wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken. Dele Alli, won the ball just past the half way line as it fell to Rooney out wide. Meanwhile, the Spurs midfielder continued his momentum, receiving the return before unleashing a wonder strike past his Spurs teammate Lloris in goal.

Not long before, he had spurned an effort across goal after a poor initial touch, however this didn’t seem to have hurt his confidence.

Rooney rattles second

Following the interval, England started with the same intensity that the first half finished with. While Jack Butland replaced Joe Hart in goal, Paul Pogba also came on for France, stepping into Blaise Matuidi’s shoes.

It was the home side though, who seized the initiative. Playing on the counter-attack, after another superb tackle from Alli, the ball found Raheem Sterling out wide, who steered a cross towards the back post, where Rooney was lurking for the striker to volley past Lloris.

Defensive dominance

To the credit of France, they rallied. A nation, clearly hurting, they did well to not let this show and lay siege to Butland’s goal, though the Stoke stopper stood up well, denying Anthony Martial, Pogba and Kingsley Coman.

In the end, England held out to record a first victory over France since 1997 though, all in attendance and observation around the world will agree, that football was the worthy winner.

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