French too strong for Young Lions

England still have plenty of work ahead of them to be serious contenders to win the UEFA European Under-21 Championships after they lost 2-0 to France at the City Ground.

England had forgotten what defeat felt like until their long unbeaten record ended against a vastly experienced Ecuador side in Malaga last month.

But it is becoming an unwelcome familiar feeling after first-half goals from Gabriel Obertan and Moussa Sissoko made it two defeats in three friendly internationals either side of Friday's victory in Norway.

France looked accomplished from the off and Liverpool's David N'Gog caused England untold problems before he was substituted after an hour.

England created the first chance after four minutes as Michael Mancienne's deft touch controlled James Milner's corner. He then calmly laid the ball into Adam Johnson's path and his shot on the half-volley narrowly cleared the crossbar.

France took a deserved lead midway through the first half when the ball broke kindly to Obertan on the edge of the area and the FC Lorient midfielder struck a first-time shot into the bottom corner.

Ten minutes before the break France doubled their advantage with a slick breakaway goal.

Sissoko ran clean through and as Joe Hart slipped the Toulouse player delicately lifted the ball over him and into the net.

England began to get some joy in France's late in the second half, but it was too little, too late.

Johnson's low cross evaded Tom Huddlestone and substitute Fraizer Campbell before reaching Martin Cranie at the far post, but his driven shot was blocked. Johnson then saw a 25-yard free-kick tipped round the post by Johan Carrasso after 78 minutes.