Gallas - England are back

France defender praises England improvement

By James Dall   Last updated: 27th March 2008

Football International Friendly England France Joe Cole William Gallas

Joe Cole battles with Gallas in Paris

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France defender William Gallas was impressed by England despite defeating Fabio Capello's side 1-0 at the Stade de France.

A 32nd minute Franck Ribery penalty condemned Capello to defeat in his second game in charge of England in Paris.

However, Gallas believes England are much-improved under the Italian, and are returning to their best after a humiliating Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

"It was not easy to beat England," the he told Sky Sports News.

Compact

"They play very strong and they were very compact. For me, England are back."

France coach Raymond Domenech was pleased that his side overcame a 'top-class' team as part of their preparation for this summer's finals at Austria and Switzerland.

"I wanted a tough match against a top-class team and I got it," he said.

"The English showed some good things and it was more of a thinking man's game than a spectacular one.

"But we did what he had to and leave here on solid ground.

Imagination

"We could have had more imagination up front. Especially in the second half, we lost the ball a little too quickly and we were wasteful with our passing.

"The last pass we wanted to make did not go where we wanted."

Striker Nicolas Anelka echoed his manager's thoughts, adding: "England have big players and they are a big nation of football.

"I think we are ready to play in the Euro 2008 finals because we won today."