Spain v France Match of the Day Live

It is a winning start for a team that has not been at a European

Championships finals since 1997. France have had the ground running

Three was the magic number for Spain and France in their opening matches,

they are looking to continue their impressive start. Sue Smith, Faye

White and Michael Gray are with me. We are looking forward to this game,

France against Spain, two of the most impressive sides so far. Both

sides are fantastic footballing teams, the way they attack and move

the ball, amazing. Both will be high in confidence after their victories.

I cannot wait. Fantastic players in both teams, I love Veronica Boquete.

She can score lots of goals. I am sorry to keep bringing this up, but

it is 18 you know well, you know the talent of the individuals they have

got, what are they like to face? They are formidable, they have

strength in midfield, a lot of players with a lot of caps. Look at

Sandrine Soubeyrand, Elise Bussaglia, Louisa Necib, Eugenie Le

Sommer, normally an impact player, she scored a goal, and she played in

the last game. They have quality all over the field. They all play for

the same club, they know each other inside out. They got to the

semifinals in the Olympics and the World Cup, they came third, so it is

the last step that they need to make to fill the transition of getting to

the final and picking up a major honour. The team have been together

for a long time. How impressed were you with Spain against England?

surprised a Jew people. It was how confident they were on the ball,

they were fantastic. Veronica Boquete, we pinpointed her as the

player of the tournament in that first game, she was trotting off, it

was not just spinning behind the centre halves. She had quality

all-rounder, she was getting half a guard. The likes of Sonia Bermudez

as well. It was refreshing. That is what we will possibly see, how can

they counter attack what France will bring? A short while ago, the final

whistle blew on England's game against England. He is the best of

great play. Jill Scott let fly with good effort. We were right behind

that, and I thought that was flying quickly. If that is a pulled

hamstring, they are three players out Alex Scott. It was her weaker

foot, she could not get the England caught out again. A scrappy

affair. It is too easy. People is bouncing across, they have to defend

that better. England in real has got to take. It has got to go

in. It is a great ball by Karen Carney. I do not know whether the

goalkeeper put her off, but Ellen White normally puts those away.

England, Steph Houghton is being replaced by Toni Duggan. The striker

is replacing the left back, they are going for broke. Five goals this

That is a penalty. From our angle, she caught her. Alex Scott moved her

legs away in the end. This is the biggest gamble of Hope Powell's

career. Kelly Smith has had a shin really not your night. England are

dealing in seconds. If that handball? It looked that way.

England have scored! Kelly Smith was still claiming handball, no matter.

She did well, Kelly Smith got the shot him. What a great finish, into

the bottom corner. It needed to be a much, but that had to go in. That

will do it tonight. Well, well, well. England are still in Euro

Let's hear the thoughts of the the skin of your teeth. Only just.

We did not play very well, we were not at our best, but fighting spirit

until the end, we have to be thankful for a point. I should not

have made changes earlier. You do not think the game was lacking

energy at times? That is why we made the change when we did, any

substitution is going to spark something at that stage, the change

in formation helped, changed the personnel around, brought Kelly

Smith on. At the end of the day, we got the point. Still a mountain to

difference, so England can qualify for the quarterfinals with a jaw

against France, only if results go their way in other groups. The best

two third-place teams go through. It is more likely they will need to

beat the French. There is a scenario where even that would not be enough.

If France beat Spain and Spain go on England did not win, they have to

beat the French as a bare minimum. What did you make of what Hope

Powell said? She was honest, she said they did not perform, and the

girls knew that. They looked relieved that they got the goal in

the end. I started off well, then it seemed that nerves were coming in,

they knew they had to get a goal, then they got sloppy, they played

not like England, the long ball, and it was tickled to watch for us. It

is difficult to beat France, it will be really hard, but I think they are

good enough, they have not shown how good they are yet. Against France,

they have to show everybody needs to step it up, throw everything on the

table and be their best to get a result. The equaliser came very

late, we saw a late goal in the first game, this one went England's

way, Toni Duggan. She has had a very good season for Everton, she took

her chance. It was the first time that somebody hit a shot on target

with a bit of conviction and confidence. A bit fortunate with the

handball. It has hit a Russian hand. But she still takes the chance

brilliantly, she hit the bar just before that as well. Ellen White had

a great chance to put England ahead, and she should have done better.

Thankfully, Toni Duggan has taken a gamble on that, she has gone into

the box and scored a goal which gives us a lifeline. Would you say

that England would have to start with Toni Duggan against France?

look at somebody who is making an impact, she did that. She had the

opportunity just before the goal as well. We have just played the lowest

ranked side in the competition. We have come away with a jaw at

underperform again. Hope Powell has got to think, where can I make

changes? The young girls want to play, they have got the hunger and

the desire, you will not find out unless you give them an opportunity.

How much of the blame which you a portion to the players, and how much

to the coach? It comes down to the coach, she picks the side. She

thinks she knows the best side she can put out, first game, they did

not perform, she gave them an opportunity to put that right. Now,

they have got an uphill task, playing against France. We will see

their quality. We see her on the sidelines, she is shouting

information, but those players on the bench, you saw Toni Duggan, how

much she wanted to get on the field, that is what you want to see. There

must be another five or six players who are itching for a game, give

them a go. England not help again by defensive lapses. Casey Stoney took

full response ability -- responsibility for the first game,

four minutes in against Spain, she promised it would not be defeated --

repeated, but we did see it again. It was sloppy down the right

channel, she gets in between Alex Scott and Laura Bassett. She passed

it through, and the number ten is unmarked. A catalogue of errors. The

ball landed on them rather than to the England players. It is not good

enough, the chances they had, for them to be scoring so easily.

that is the first time in the whole game we had more than one player

chance. We were very impressed with France, what are England 's chances

of beating France, which they don't absolutely have to do? It is going

to be difficult, in each game, they have looked nervous, England have

started off with the pressure, this is massive pressure. All of the

players we have mentioned, the ones with loads of experience have to

step up and they have to be the players that people look up to,

bring the youth in as well to help. It is good to be a massive task

against France. -- going to be. I still believe they can do it.

often perform better when there is pressure, France are seen as the

stronger team, for some strange reason England seemed to relax more,

it happens when we are playing them, perhaps because they are ranked

higher than us, and the first two games we have not formed, against

teams we are expected to beat. just going to ask you exactly that

question! The fact they are ranked so much higher than Spain and

Russia, everyone said, we would be OK against them and France is the

big one, as it happens they have only managed a point in those two

games, so of course the pressure is on because they have to win, but

being the underdogs, the shackles can come off? Because we haven't

beaten them before, within sports, sports psychology is so important.

How players view different results, how they can mentally get over

problems in other matches and the psychology of coming against certain

players and teams. They will be used a lot in this tournament. Do you

think that goal right at the end, it lifted the studio, you can imagine

what she is like in the dressing room, could that be the spot --

spark they need to perform? We keep saying they needed to show

character, they did show character because they came from behind in the

Spain game twice, and tonight, they came from behind. It shows that they

know how to come back from things. That could be the lift they needed,

that little boost that Tony Duggan has brought. The England players

will begin being a close eye on what happens in the game between France

and Spain. The French reached the semifinals in the Olympics and also

in the 2011 World Cup. A key figure in the squad is the defender from

are contenders, what do you think? Is only -- not because we won the

first game that we will win the tournament. It is a good start.

you think it is the best French team ever? It is one of the best. We have

players with different qualities, it is a good combination. What is your

culture like? Bruno is short. He doesn't only like to talk about

tactics, he is really open-minded. He is a philosopher for me. What

kind of books does he read? It is about enjoying life every day, life

experience. And he read those books to the players? He does, he also

write down some special quotes on ordinary people. Does that motivates

you? Yes, it does. Everyone can do fabulous stuff. Spain beat England,

were you expecting that? How big a threat are they to you? They are a

different style to Russia, they play on the ground, they are playing a

lot like the men's team so it will be interesting for us defenders who

like to have contact with those kind of layers like to play, they are not

into contact, it will be a different type of game. How much of a threat

is Boquete? She is fast, she is moving around, she is everywhere, we

will have to be careful. We will be marking her. But we will do it as a

group. Is this France 's best chance at the Euros? We hope so. We don't

only want to participate in this tournament, we want to win

something. We have been frustrated with the World Cup in 2011 and then

at the Olympics. Now we want to players in the French side. He

played against them for Arsenal against the likes of Lyon over the

years, what did you make of Georges in particular? She is an ever

present at the heart of the defence, 140 caps, she is powerful, quick,

not many players can muscle her off the ball get past her. She reads the

game well. She is a tough competitor for her team, and she is having to

partner Renard in the middle for the last year or so, and she is quite a

tall, rangy player as well. But she has quite a lot of experience and

she is very solid and doesn't make many mistakes. Georges is a tough

competitor, not the only one. of the French team are physical.

Delie is another one, always making it hard, always chasing down. She is

very clever, always using her body wherever she can to put you off

balance, make sure you are not able to get in front of her. She is good

with her runs off the back shoulders of defenders. She can also link up

play coming to feet. She can describe it back to super run in

midfield. She normally has her in her pocket! Boquete stood out in

that first game against England. also impressive she was with her

movement, but he doesn't waste energy, she makes great runs, like

in this position, she can turn forward, seedy positivity of taking

players out of the game, making things happen herself. Also, look at

the desire here, she takes her time, wait for an opportunity,

someone to back her up and it is terrific. This is the doll, she runs

off the shoulder of the centre halves, great movement and look at

the finish, that is just great play, that is what you want to see,

movement from your strikers who know they will get themselves into great

areas. She is one of only a couple full-time players, the French are

all full time. The teams are about to emerge at the Nya Parken in

Norrkoping. Can Spain cause another upset in only their second major

always going to be, on this fixture. They are now firmly fixed on the

outcome. It is a really good incentive for both these nations,

the two old as the series, aside for England, they know that another

victory here will take them safely into the quarterfinals -- the two

old adversaries. Bruno 's team note -- know that if he wins, they will

have won the group, fantastic position for France to be in. Spain

also, but they would need to record their first ever victory over the

French. You have been talking about the professionalism of the French,

they are on a fantastic run as well, they have only lost one game since

the London Olympics. They made the last four. Bruno Bini, giving his

last words of encouragement to his team. A huge character these two

nations. -- carrot for these two nations. Trying to negotiate a place

in the quarterfinals. Some atmosphere as well as we await the

Allons enfants de la Patrie. # Le jour de gloire est arrive! # Contre

nous de la tyrannie. # L'etendard sanglant est leve. # L'etendard

sanglant est leve! # Entendez-vous dans les campagnes. # Mugir ces

feroces soldats. # Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras. # Egorger vos

fils et vos compagnes! # Aux armes, citoyens. # Formez vos bataillons. #

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Marchons, marchons! # Qu'un sang male counterparts, home -- don't

have the experience at major tournaments, this is only their

secured if they could eat the French, and Spain could -- do

change, Villanova over a spaniel since the Olympic Games to beat

France tonight. To try and beat France for the first time in their

chance of reaching the quarterfinals themselves. France make just the one

alteration to the team that uncomfortably overcame Russia. One

of their goal-scorers, Le Sommer, drops out, to allow the return of

among the French substitutes. Bruno Bini lead into the last four at the

World Cup finals and the Olympics. He is hoping tonight he can lead

them safely as group winners into the last eight of Euro 2013. But

Spain, and Ignacio Quereda, have it is the French who get as

underway. -- get us under way. If there is a winner, that country

knows they are in the last eight. English eyes firmly fixed on this

in your qualifying group, and against Spain in the play-offs?

it was extremely disappointing to be knocked out by Spain but they have

proved how good they are in beating nations, no Spanish victories.

France have so much experience, including the captain, Sandrine

Soubeyrand. In a previous game, against Russia, she became the

oldest player to ever appear at the women's European Championships, well

past 39 now. She controlled the game from the centre of midfield. Yes,

France have got strength in depth. A lot of experience, especially in

midfield. If they do that today and keep the ball well, they will have

no problems in scoring and getting the victory. Defence will be an

important thing for both teams, because the front players in both

teams are so exceptional, Veronica Boquete and Adriana Martin for

Spain. Each defence needs to keep experience in Europe for club and

country. Quarterfinalists four years ago in Finland. They did not get out

of the group in the three previous tournaments. They feel this is a big

beat Russia. A boost for them, knowing that if they win this group,

they are through as group winners. If France win, they can go into the

England game possibly to rest players, to save them for the

quarterfinal. The strength in depth they have is exceptional. They have

got players they can bring on, more than other teams in this

competition, like Elodie Thomis. These players can start against

England. That is a good point, if France win this game, don't be full

about any potentially weakened team, because the strength in depth is

incredible. Any French team you come up against will be a strong of the

one that is put out in the first instance, almost. If England play

against them in the last group game, they need to be at their best if

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they want to get anything from that gone. France already in front.

Wendie Renard. She was not going to miss that, her seventh international

goal. A perfect start for France. great all put on by the playmaker,

Louisa Necib. You can see the height of Wendie Renard. You need to get

tight to her, and the Spanish defence do not do that. It is almost

an easy header for her. That is extremely disappointing defending

from the Spanish. What a start for France. What a day it has been, with

England's result going in their favour as well. That is the perfect

script they wanted. A tough task already for the Spanish. They would

have wanted to start compact and strong, knowing that friends are

such a good footballing side, to concede a corner so early is not

good for the Spanish. 22-year-old Wendie Renard, who has

scored in England in a Champions League final at Craven Cottage for

Lyon. She has given France the lead here. We will see what the Spanish

tight to this punishment field, they know they are a threat from the

first game against England. The Spanish just need to keep moving the

ball quickly, to stop posing a will want to prove a point after

missing the first game. She is normally a starter, but she has had

an injury. The performance from France was good in the first game,

so she will want to put in a great performance. She is capable of

winning any game, her skill on the ball, her passing is exceptional.

She will want to make sure she does a France corner. A great ball from

Louisa Necib. Another corner for France, they will be looking to get

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Wendie Renard on the ball again, I question. Adriana Martin found a

space in front of the defence and got a quick shot away. That is where

they will want to pick up the ball and create chances like that one. A

tame shot in the end, but that is linkup play from Spain, they need to

do more of that, move the ball or you down as a player?

certainly does. We saw in the England game earlier, they did not

manage to get the early goal, even though they have dominated the game.

We saw that in the Netherlands game, they dominated the first half but

could not get the goal. The French have done that today, that will

settle the nerves. They will continue to create chances and pass

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got to playmakers, Camille Abily and Louisa Necib, that is unusual.

Fantastic vision to find Corine from France. They currently ranked

in the world. -- fifth in the world. They were fourth at the World Cup

and the Olympics. They only lost out by 1-0 to Canada, they have been

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Veronica Boquete too much space. you cannot at all. The French got

extremely tight there. Although she tried to wriggle away on two or

three occasions, they got it off her. If she gets a sniff on the

ball, she will score. If you close your ears, I will remind everyone,

it was a 122nd minute winner by Veronica Boquete that meant that

Spain were in this tournament and not Scotland in the second leg of

the play-off in Madrid, agonising for the Scots. Extremely agonising,

we went 2-1 up in that game, and Spain came back 3-2. They have the

ability to come back from being down. It is disappointing to see

them, but you can see the quality in the Spanish and you can see why they

the back post. A dangerous ball into the box. Unlucky not to get a

Spanish player on the end of it. The Spanish have created a queue chances

against an experienced French side, so it is promising for them. They

will get more opportunities, the likes of Veronica Boquete, Jennifer

Hermoso and Adriana Martin, they will put one of these chances away.

The only black mark for France's victory over Russia was the goal

from the killer-macro. -- save. The French just play it about

until they create that opportunity. They don't try and shoot too early.

They make sure they create a good opportunity where they could

referee waved play on. She is a big threat from that situation, you can

see what they are aiming for. The Spanish just need to keep tight and

99th cap tonight, she is only 26 years of age. Her third European

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charge of Spain for 25 years, yes, 25 years! To say he is a permanent

fixture is something of an understatement. He has played a big

part in their progression over strike from Necib, the more

opportunities she gets in that position, she will score the next

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Georges. Important challenge, it through. As I mentioned before,

to have two playmakers in the team is quite frightening if you are up

against them! They are just switching roles, coming in from the

right and then obviously taking it in turns with the number ten role.

That will cause major problems for the Spanish, with their ability to

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encouraging from Spain 's point of This time, Hermoso and Boquete

showing their quality on the ball. hasn't had too many touches yet.

That was just a bit behind Sonia, she couldn't quite get on the end of

it. I think the technical ability of all the players on show today is

exceptional, and definitely the best that is for sure. It is enjoyable to

watch, to see teams pass it so quickly, and the skill on the ball

That was a real opportunity for Spain. Great fast passing football

from Spain, enjoyable to watch, unable to get a finish on the end of

it, but a great response from the Spanish after going down 1-0 so

early on. You can see it is raising levels of belief. Great through ball

careful as she came out there as well, had she caught Sonia. Yes, she

intention, she was going to chip it over the top two Hermoso. -- Boquete

's intention. She didn't quite get on the end of it. But again, the

Spanish are putting more and more into this game. The French just need

to get a hold of it again, start 's record in qualifying and indeed

in these tournaments. I think they managed to draw with Germany in

qualifying, that is a great result, showing how much quality they have,

to be able to draw with the Germans who are such a strong side in

European and world football. Nobody took a point of the French,

Scotland, Wales and the republic of all Ireland all tried. -- the

Republic of Ireland. They conceded just twice. They haven't conceded

tonight. Still that goal after five minutes from Renard separating these

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in the Spanish league last season to around. -- by Torrejon. The French

passing is so precise, they put it in front of the player, which makes

it so easy for the player receives the Baltic take a touch and put

tournament. They competed in Euro 9097, they competed against the

French, but they might be in trouble like to keep the ball on the floor,

but they are direct, they do try and get Delie in behind. It is onside it

looks, but they want to get the ball ball in the game so far. You can see

she wanted, even under pressure. That is part of the way the French

play, they give the ball to players who are under pressure and believe

they can keep the ball, that is so important, to have the believe your

She plays a football in the United Spanish league, they have plenty of

goal threat in their team, Spain, as England saw to their cost. Both

teams have prolific goal-scorers, at club and international level. If

they are able to get these players in positions where they can have a

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coped with the Spanish well so far, they have been comfortable in

clearing their lines and holding off play from Marie-Laure Delie. She can

bring other team-mates into the game. People went through to Gaetane

Thiney. She could have cut across the defender earlier, but she got a

shot on goal. She will be disappointed she did not give the

goalkeeper a harder save, that great play by Marie-Laure Delie, great

so quick in transition, they get up the field from one end to the other

in seconds. There was only one thing in her mind. Can Spain conjure

Great goalkeeping from Sarah Bouhaddi. It was comfortable in her

the way they have come back into the game after going behind so early.

Yes, it is always disappointing to go down early, but the Spanish have

shown their quality in their ability to create chances and keep the ball.

They will be fairly pleased with the way I have dealt with conceding so

early, and they are being patient. They are not worried yet. They

believe that they can score a goal friendly in the build-up to this

tournament, the only time they have been beaten since Canada at the

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behind Spain. A good overlapping run by the full-back. The French will

want to get as many players forward as possible to create more options

will stop that was good play up to the point of the cross. But it was a

poor cross into the box, she will be disappointed she has not picked out

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through. Sandra Vilanova pleading her innocence. She has succeeded in

clique, but I think it is a free kick. It is positive, the way the

French are pressing. We saw Elise Bussaglia pressing the wide player.

They look like they are working well who are so good on the ball, it is

so difficult to win the ball back from them. They are putting good

pressure on, but to steal the ball, it is so hard, because the majority

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of the players are so good with in the midfield, with both teams

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defensive work by Gaetane Thiney. She shows that the French forwards

are winning to put in the work for the rest of the team. You can see

that in the way they play. Sliding tackles, even though you know they

are a bit far away. You can see Louisa Necib doing that as well.

England will be watching this French performance very closely. They

almost certainly will have to beat them in their last group game, they

have not done that since 1974, at a match at the old plough Lane. France

might be through as group winners by was super feet by Camille Abily.

Good linkup play with Louisa Necib. On the right side again, not just

possession, but they have not really been able to create too much in the

way of clear-cut chances to trouble after conceding, they keep trying to

play their football that they like to play. That is a positive. They

have kept compact and they have kept France at bay. That is definitely a

trying to play at the back and then look for another agility to go

coming game for the recently retired player, who has been a good servant

for women's football and the French national team. But she has looked

particularly comfortable, playing in fifth European Championships,

France's most capped player of all time. 196 M. The oldest player ever

to play at this tournament. That is exceptional, for her to be able to

play at this level, and in such a great team, at that age, with so

many caps. She looks fairly comfortable, she can pick up the

ball, she is spreading it quite half. It is Bruno Bini's France with

their noses in front, courtesy of Wendie Renard after five minutes. It

looked a tough one for Spain, but full credit to the way they have

come back into the game, without really troubling the French call. It

is a scoreline at the moment that would mean France would be through

to the quarterfinals, as group winners, head facing England in the

third group match. Still 45 minutes the tournament, have their noses in

front. What have you made a bit? Initially they really took the game

to Spain, they were creating chances and looked really sharp and quick,

but then I think Spain made their way back into it. They started to

keep the ball and create chances for themselves. I think Spain have grown

into it but France played for a cross to middle, quite narrow.

seems that each team is cancelling each other out. When Spain have

looked to go forward, the French defence is stepping in and doing

quite well and reading the situation. We have seen the step up

in class, it is there for everyone to see, the football was excellent

to watch. More analysis come after after a quick update. The days of

blank cheque benefits are over. That's the Government on its new

benefit cap which began across Britain today. Ministers want to

encourage more people back to work. One of two soldiers who died on the

Brecon Beacons on Saturday has been named. Lance Corporal Craig Roberts

was on an SAS training exercise. He was one of six who collapsed. Police

are investigating more claims of sexual assault against Stuart Hall.

The presenter pleaded guilty to 14 counts of assault in May. He was

jailed for 15 months. A British woman has died while trying to swim

the English Channel. Susan Taylor got into trouble near the French

coast at the end of her swim. She was raising money for charity. And

Manchester United have bid �25 million for Barcelona's Cesc

Fabregas. Although Arsenal have first refusal on him at the same

price. It's thought he's open to the idea of a return to England. Now,

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it's back to Match of the Day, live the tournament, leading Spain 1-0.

What did you make a bit? She takes it very well, Renard, she is about

six foot one, so she is a threat from those areas. But Necib is a

quality crosser of the ball. She puts it into that area, where you

want to attack it, and the Spanish defender is not strong enough, she

allows Renard to go into that space. She just gets across her and she

even turns her back to allow Renard just to get in there, a lot more

conviction on the run, directs the ball into the net. Necib, one of the

players to look out for at the start of the tournament. Because of her

Algerian roots she is compared to Zidane. She looked really dangerous,

she can make lakefront into the box. -- late runs. All the way through

the game she was a constant threat, she was coming in, exactly what we

wanted Williams to do in the England game, but that it forward and Necib

was doing that and causing problems. Defenders don't want to pick you up,

midfielders aren't sure what to do. It causes problems when you play

between the line. You were not happy when the player didn't go down after

rounding the keeper! Controversial! That is brilliant play, she is

playing on shoulders, you have the opportunity to go down, if you have

the chance to put the ball in the net, stating your feet, of course,

she has got every right to fall to floor there. So because it is a

foul, she should go down? manageable, due at half-time, if I

was in a dressing room with one of my ex-managers, they would say, why

did you not go down? ! In the women's game, that doesn't happen,

and I think that is why people like it, because there isn't diving,

there isn't cheating. She can leave her leg in. I don't think it would

have been cheating. She had every opportunity to fall to the floor.

you have just come in from work, scored. It's just too easy. They

have got to defend that better. England in real trouble. For

England, it's Toni time. A striker on, left back off. It is going for

night, it's really not your night. England are dealing in seconds now.

Is that hand ball? Well, it's in any way, and England have scored. Kelly

Smith is still claiming hand ball and penalty. No matter. She did

well. Smith got the cross in. It was hand ball. But what a great finish.

It just needed to be a lot earlier than this. England are still in euro

2013, but only just. England are still in this competition, was only

-- but only just. Yes I feel aappointed, we showed real character

to come back in the last couple of minutes to get a craw and -- draw

and get a point. We didn't play well, sloppy in possession. For the

first 25 minutes we were on top, but that is when you have to score the

goals. That is not a 100th cap you will forget. No, we make it hard for

ourselves. I felt we should have been finishing our chances. What

went wrong in the first half? think we needed to gep keep the

intensity higher. We had probably 80% of the possession and we

switched off for one throw and it cost us at at this level if you

don't keep switched on, you get punished. How frustrating was it to

watch from the bench. It was unbearable. But pleased we have come

out with a point and we just have to do the business against France.

Could changes have been made earlier? I don't know, that is

Hope's decision. Toni came on and scored a great goal. That shows her

ability. But we stick with her desis. -- decision. How much of a

risk was it co-Tom on? It wasn't a risk, I'm fit. A word on Toni

Duggan. She saved everyone's skin. She is fresh and she has been

waiting for her chance and come on and scored. It is fantastic for her.

England have never beaten France before. What happens now? There is a

first time for everything. We haven't played well. We are going to

regroup and do something that we have never done so, we are going to

be pumped and up for it and hopefully we can do it. It is about

belief. We have a massive game. France are a good side, but on our

day, I think we are getting better. We played better today than on

Friday. We will get together and we will analyse today and look at

France and go again. This is how Group C stands. The final standings

are calculated on head-to-head records before goal difference. So

England can draw their final match with France and still go through,

but there is a chance that they would win and go out. The situation

should be clearer by the time England kick off against France on

Thursday. You can see that match live on BBC Three. Coverage begins

live on BBC Three. Coverage begins at 7 o'clock. So it could have been

worse, England could have been out of the running by tonight. What a

moment for everyone involved in the England squad when that goal went

in. This was Hope Powell, frustrated by the sidelines before Toni Duggan

came on. And this is her reaction to the equaliser. The relief among the

players was obvious. You could see from the interviews with the

players, Casey Stoney suggesting she wanted to see Toni Duggan come on

earlier? Yes, I liked the interviews, they were honest and

they had analysed themselves already and they knew what they had done

wrong. So they will all be ready for that. The final game with France.

But it was relief. Because we were relieved in the studio and we were

just like, they were creating the chances, but not scoring and Toni

scored that vital goal. That goal came in the dying seconds in added

time. Does it perhaps paper over the cracks of another poor performance?

I think so. They have got to make things happen quicker. In the first

20 minutes they have got to get that goal. Give themselves something to

hang on to. Specially playing France. We have seen them, they're a

strong side and they can punish you. Have England got a star of the

future in Duggan? I think so. I think there are a couple of more in

the squad. But it is getting on and taking your chances. Toni has done

that and added that bit of urgency and with Kelly Smith, that is what

subs can co-do. -- can do. She does brilliantly to hold the defender off

and she is there an it the pating. But there it hits the bar. But she

is looking for something to happen. She will be chuffed with that. But

we seem, gill Scott gets a toe to it. They have had some fortune with

it coming off the hand. But she takes it well, with her least

favourite left foot. But a quality strike. Toni Duggan somebody the

French won't know much about. Would you start her? I would. It is the

enknown and Toni said I continue don't know what -- don't know what

I'm doing half the time. France will be analysing and looking at

different players, but they won't know what Toni Duggan has in her

locker. There is an injury to Rachel Yankey as well. She had a ham string

injury and will have a scan. We put Michael against the the official

match predictor, Pepe the moose. The moose chose between an England win a

draw or a Russian victory. At first he chose a draw. He got it right.

You didn't. Well done the moose.You have been outwitted by a moose.

Wouldn't be the first time! saying nothing about that. Tomorrow,

the final round of group games begin. Let's go back to the second

half. Guy Mowbray and Lucy Ward will be in Halmstad tomorrow. The winners

be in Halmstad tomorrow. The winners will finish top of Group A. Now, it

is time to go back to the Gateshead it is Spain 0, France 1 at -- to go

back to the game. It is Spain 0, France 1 at half time. France are

going to make a change. Thomis, yet another Lyon player in is in French

squad. She is going to win her 91st cap. Playing in her third tournament

and the 39-year-old skipper, Soubeyrand has gone off. If you

haven't seen Thomis before, to say she has basis something of an

understatement. On match day one, it was a nightmare substitution as far

as Russia were concerned. It is Spain who will get us under way in

the second half. Trying to come from behind against France. Remember, if

there is a winner, they are into the quarter finals. If it's France who

win, they're through as group winners before playing England on

match day three. You can see Thomis is going to play on the right and

Necib will move into the middle. That substitution hasn't really

weakened the French. No not at all, Thomis has 90-odd caps. So if

anything it strengthens it. She got a hat trick against Wales in

qualifying. She scored goal goals in the World Cup finals and the Olympic

games. So Spain will be well aware of her. It takes the amount of Lyon

players on the pitch for France to seven. I think that is what you xaul

a good understanding! -- call a good understanding! These players

obviously train day in day out. It is great for the French and you can

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see that they play together and Georges. A Spain corner. Good

defending by Georges. Not giving in by Martin. Over the bar from

Hermoso. Spain showing they want to get an equaliser and push on. A

speculative shot in the end, over the bar, but positive signs for the

Spanish. Martin got eight goals in on the front foot. Can they find

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arm band for France in the absence of Soubeyrand. They try to find the

pace of Thomis. Just took too long and allowed Vilanova a chance to

make the challenge. A great ball by Abile again and using the pace of

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Thomis. Not a great touch, but gets Yes, both teams have shown great

respect for one another in this game. They both know the play

players' ability on the ball and the creativity that each team has. They

have stayed tight and tried to keep their attack in front of them and

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then got extremely tight when they absolutely crucial? Yes, it is

vital. If the French get it, they will definitely go on to win the

wanted. It will be interesting to see if the Spanish get tired out.

They had a tough game in the first match, they had to cover a lot of

ground keeping the French at bay tonight. It will be interesting to

see if their legs can last. If they experience playing in competitive

Great workrate. Hermoso is very aware of where the player is. A

disappointing shot. Again, you can see the awareness that the Spanish

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Boquet has been quiet in the first few minutes of the second half. The

Spanish need to get her on the ball, like they did in the first hour. The

French seem to be keeping her under Spain corner. They have had a lot of

set pieces, free kicks and corner kicks. They want to get the delivery

better. They want to take advantage of these set pieces in great areas

goalkeeper didn't get there. confused about where they had to

stand for the corner. But the Spanish took it quickly and

smartly. Another decent ball into cross, but the defence were able to

what you want at this level. To have your midfield supporting your

fullbacks and defence, sniffing out players, so much pace in a

one-on-one situation. She got it back quickly to make it to matter

possession in this second half, they need to get more shots on goal and

test the keeper if they want to get anything from this game. The French

need to get on the ball a little bit more and keep the ball as well as

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met. A World Cup qualifier, in corner. Here is the latest one. It

came back out to Abily. And that was was Abily on the goalkeeper couldn't

hold it. Did the second time, though. Delie, managing to hold off

the Spanish defence for a shot by Abily. You can see, from that

corner, how much tighter the Spanish were on Wendie Renard. They

obviously have learned from their Necib. A player that she will have

come into contact directly with in the Champions League? I have played

against them several times in the Champions League. One of my first

experiences of playing in the Champions League when I first signed

for Arsenal was against her. She's such a great player, you can't get

near her most of the Tyne in the match. She is one of the most

difficult players to match. You can see that from tonight 's game. How

much respect the Spanish have for her, how tight they have been

right to get to that. She couldn't keep the header down. Since Thomis

has come on, they have used her down the right-hand side. Positive play

from the French. Necib has lasted just over an hour, recovering from

that hip problem. Le Sommer comes on. She got a goal in that game, of

Lyon. She certainly knows where the back of the net is. A great

substitution to bring on for the outnumbered, but she didn't give up

the ghost. You can see that the French know her threat. Within

seconds, she has two or three players around her, able to get the

ball off her. But I think she will be pleased with her performance,

coming back from an injury, Necib got the assist for Renard. That is a

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positive sign for the French, having to ground. Delie had one swing, and

then the second one was way, way over. Positive play from Thiney, the

captain. Another chance. A poor effort by Delie. A poor two efforts.

Missing the ball and then dumping it challenge, the Spanish skipper. Up

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slightly, midway through this second that should have found her as well.

I think that is their intention all the time now. Yes, they're trying to

get her into the play with her pace. She just didn't read the flight of

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the ball there, but great vision to a free kick. Thomis was the

offender. Can they just produce one moment of magic to get themselves

level? Still her goal, wend ie isn't her to strike it though.

positive shot from Bermudez. Great direction on it. But just a bit too

much float on it in the end and an deflected in. A France corner.

French again trying to pick out the perfect opportunity for their team

mate. Not being selfish and shooting when it is unnecessary. But a good

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defensive tackle in the end by the think will have to take a chance or

more. They will the Spanish have had their fair share of possession in

this half. But the French have came back into it. I think for the

Spanish, they have got three points from their first game against

England, which you know they were pleased with and coming up against

the strongest team in the group, they're not probably expected to win

and to go into the last match with three. Fresh from their draw with

England today. The Spanish will go into that match thinking they can

get three points and if they play, although they're not winning

tonight, they have still played well and kept the pal well and created

chances against a very strong French team. They will go into that match

positive. I think without a doubt they will come out with a victory if

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It leads to an intriguing last Delie had read and almost got to.

You can see the French want to get another ball. They have had five

players in a line across the Spanish back line. So they definitely want

to push on bgs although the tempo of the game has fallen since the start

against England, felt she was caught there. Calmly dealt with by Franco.

That was the point we were making, so much experience in this French

team. That is why many feel this is the tournament where they can come

together and go all the way. Yes, from their last two competitive

tournaments in the world cup and the limps they have finished outside --

Olympics they have finished outside the top three and didn't get a medal

in the Olympics. That is disappointing so they will want to

come here with the intent of winning it. I think they're definitely

capable of it and so far they have been the team to beat with their

performances against Russia and a strong Spanish team. On Thursday,

they will be the team that England England on Thursday. You know, it's

a very tough challenge for the English team, specially with they're

confidence will be low after the two games they have played so far. They

have not played to their potential and they will be wanting to go out

and prove a point. But it is not impossible. Would the best scenario

be be if France were through as group winners any way? Yes if they

go through as winners, they may rest some of their more important

players. But I think the English team will know whatever French team

is put out will be very strong. will need to be on top of their game

became goal saver there, Renard. Good covering from Renard there.

Georges and Renard have been particularly strong at the pack and

have managed to hold Boquete and Martin here back in the second half.

And they have limited their shopts on goal -- shots on goal and the

chances they have created. Barcelona players replaces another.

Championship winner at under 17 and under 19 level is on for the last 12

the 62-year-old Spanish coach. I oom sure he would have taken -- am sure

he would have taken this going into the last ten minutes, only a goal

behind the French. Yes, the French started strong, getting a goal early

on and the Spanish have done well to stop the French from scoring again

and they have kept themselves in the game, espishl -- especially having

Her passing range, more so in the second half with Thomis coming on on

the right. Burr she has been able to pick the ball up and get her head up

early and know where Thomis is and she has played four our five balls

quarterfinals just yet, a little been in charge of France. We heard

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about his philosophy, his messages about. Square, and a good challenge

in the end by gorgeous. -- George her eye and product, but she is

getting into some good positions. -- problems. The longer she plays, the

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whistle had gone. A lovely one-two from the Spanish. From the midfield

and into out wide. Just offside in England game. The Spanish will

believe and they will continue to again. And he is making his final

change. Erika Vazquez of athletic oh Bill Bauer. The 30-year-old. --

was. Couldn't quite wrap her foot around it. The Spanish have taken

off three important players. That shows that maybe they want to rest

players as well. Two influential players and their captain. So they

are also looking towards the final bringing her team-mates into play.

any signs of letting up. They want to make sure they hold out until the

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had late, late drama on match day the Italian referee didn't agree.

Skilful play, trying to get enough space to get the ball away. But

Georges gets in there again, enough well tonight, they have managed to

let the other team have a few shots on goal, because they know the

strength and the quality of the players from each team. They have

guide it on target. Just slightly leaning back on the shot. Couldn't

get it quite on target. The Spanish are still pushing on in the last few

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comfortably in the second half, that is for sure, Bruno Bini. He knows he

time. They need to keep it tight, make sure they are organised and

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their players are in position. I'm for the goal-scorer, Renard. The

backpass goes for a corner. It could have easily been an own goal!

similar to the game against Russia, where she had the ball at her feet

at the end of the match. Not almost the same situation, but a bit of a

lack of concentration there. Gives Bouhaddi. I have been so impressed

by the defensive work of the attacking players in the French

team. There is the pace of Thomis. something from their game against

quarterfinals. Bruno Bini can celebrate. The winner came courtesy

of Wendie Renard. Your goal after five minutes. Spain could have

crumbled, but they held in there. Not only are France through to the

quarterfinals, they are there as group winners. They are England's

opponents on Thursday, already in the quarterfinals and they have

already won the group. They now know the scenario. It is joy for France.

have become used to in this group. France are assured of top spot and a

place in the quarterfinals. I wonder if they will attempt to rest a few

players on Thursday? England will probably need to win the match to

stay in the tournament. There is a scenario whereby a draw would be

enough to secure in an's progress as one of the best third placed teams.

That depends on results in the other groups. Results elsewhere could also

prevent England reaching the quarterfinals. Even if they beat

France! Seven outcomes remain possible after an intriguing day.

France look a rather good side? do. I thought they controlled it.

They did just enough, what they needed to do. I always thought they

could step up a gear if they needed. I thought they were very solid at

the back. They made it very difficult for Spain to break them

down. When Spain played England, they created a lot more chances.

Against France, they made it difficult. Were you impressed by how

Spain stayed in the game until the end? You might have thought that

France might have scored two or three. But they found it hard to cut

through the Spanish defence. They have that speed with Georges and

Renard at the back. You thought they might have cut through. It's a

typical France performance, when they close out the performance,

maybe step in if needed. I think both defences did well and cancelled

each other out. Apart from the goal, what was the difference between the

sides? The power and prowess of France. We didn't see great quality

in the second half like we did in the first. When we got the early

goal, we thought the floodgates were going to open. The defence was on

top for me. Nice football, but not what we were expecting. Just the one

goal, scored early on. Nice movement? Yes she is about six foot

one. I know because I have marked her. But she takes that step away to

then open it up and she takes that step back and she can then attack

step back and she can then attack that space. She's always on the

front foot. But it is an outswinging ball from Necib. So it is brilliant

as a defender to attack it. She doesn't have to jump, she already

has that space and puts it on target. Necib being the creative

force in the game? Yes, she was, everything that was going through

France seemed to go through her. She started off with a corner, which was

an outswinging corner, but fantastic technique the way she drives through

the ball, it is lovely to watch. I think it is a training ground move.

It is exactly where Renard wanted the ball. She played it in the areas

where, Renard took the player away. This is a first time shot. She

creates things, but she also scores. So it is impressive. As you see

here, I was saying, complimented her attacking, but defensively she

seemed like she had fallen asleep. I don't know if she was telling the

other players what to do. But here shows a bit of class. As she is

linking up, she comes in, she wants the ball. What did you make of her,

Michael. She played into nice pockets and that is what you want

from your flair players. She is patient and picks the right pass.

This a clever when you have somebody with a brain like that, they can

pick out the quality players. do you think? Just trying to clch --

clutch at straws, do you think they will rest players, would it be odd

to play all their big hitters. wouldn't think they would. They have

players like Henry that come in in. She is ra strong, confident player.

You saw Le Sommer start the first game, didn't start this game, but

came on and made an impact. She is a young player, but she has 88 caps

already. She would be desperate to get a start. A lot have been from

the bench. She got player of the match in the first game. But would

he maybe keep the back line the same, or give the chance to somebody

else? Normally in a tournament you wouldn't chance. Nice to be in that

position. You talk about weakened France team, but they have some top

quality players on the bench. is the thing, you say a weakened

team, I don't think it is. Those players that come on will want to

prove a point. That makes it even more difficult for me, if it was the

same team that had played all the way through, that can be easier. But

we never mentioned Thomis, absolutely rapid. Technically not

the best player in the world, but somebody who can create things with

her pace. So England are going to have to analyse their match. Earlier

England got an equaliser in the dying seconds of their match with

Russia. That match ended 1-1. The players are back at their team

hotel. Kelly Smith who, created the equaliser for Toni Duggan. Hope

Powell with plenty to think about. What will will be the plans. Hope

will talk briefly to the players. They will have dinner, hang around

and go and meet with their family. It is hard to say, but try and

forget about it a bit. Different players respond differently to

different things. Some people will want to talk about it. Others will

want to be left on their own. But they need to try and sleep and focus

on the big game tomorrow and what they have tone well and what they

have done not so well. They will be tempted to look at Twitter to see

what everyone is saying. Would that be a distrabgt -- distraction that

wasn't there before. Yes, it wasn't something we had to worry about

much. Some players on the night won't want to look at it. They need

to analyse it themselves, rather than take negative criticism after

the performance where they were expected to do more than they have.

So, yeah, everybody's different. But they may want to put a statement out

to say what they feel about it. pleased will they be for Toni

Duggan, given the build up over here. She got her chance and she

took it. Yes, that shows what style of player she is. She could have

come on and frozen. Things could have gone wrongment but she wanted

to get involved straightaway and she did. She created chances, nearly

scored early on and scored one of the most vital goals for England in

the tournament. If she hadn't have scored it, England would be going

home. Yes it is a lifeline. We have seen France, a quality side. Here is

a chance for Hope Powell to bring in the youngsters, or does she stick

with the experienced players. If it doesn't go well, I would like to see

changes earlier. Do you think she may keep the same side. Well Duggan

got the goal. It was a great performance from here her. But you

want to see flair players and you show how much she wanted to play.

Four or five of the youngsters are probably thinking, give me my

opportunity. We will see. The action continues tomorrow with the desiding

matches in Group A. We will see the hosts Sweden and Italy and that will

sort out who will finish top of the group and we will have highlight of