HAMMERS defender Anton Ferdinand earned praise for his performance,
but could not prevent the England Under-21's losing to France
2-1 and ending their chances of qualifying for next summer's
European Championships.
The game was marred by controversy late on though as an 85th minute
penalty decision gave France victory.
Kieran Richardson was adjudged to have fouled Chelsea's Lassana
Diarra, on as a substitute, inside the box and Briand coolly
converted the spot kick.
Things had looked so encouraging for England after Darren Bent
had fired them into the lead on 55 minutes, but Franck Ribery and
the late strike from Briand ensured the French would qualify for
the finals next May.
England: Scott Carson (Liverpool), Ryan Taylor
(Wigan), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Anton Ferdinand (West Ham
United), Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City) (Peter Whittingham (Aston
Villa) 79), Darren Ambrose (Charlton) (Dean Ashton (Norwich) 66),
Gary O'Neil (Portsmouth), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Kieran
Richardson (Manchester United), Darren Bent (Charlton), Carlton
Cole (Chelsea) (Cameron Jerome (Cardiff) 89).