Gallas - "England are back"

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.
"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.
"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."

Is he right or just a kind gesture to make sure the English crouds in the Premier League don't target him?

I don't think England are playing like they could be. It will take time. Hopefully they will have sorted their problems out before 2010.

what a surprise to hear such words coming from him!!..

can't be fooled with your craps.. big guy.. try better next time!!..

this's the same guy who had critics against his own teammate who score two goals..

ans also the same guy who wanted attention in the match against Chelsea last sunday..

I think you have improved from the shambolic display in the qualifiers against russia and croatia, that's what he meant.

for some weird reasons.. i think we played worse last night.. but that's just me.. who always expects so much from england team.. T.T

Where you from Flips? You better not say Japan or I'll kick your ass for not supporting Nakamura & Mizuno

nah.. i'm from indonesia..

i don't really fancy japanese footie.. but their mangas/comics are great..

We were poor but you were worse than us Still in term of team shape and mental strentgh it was better.

the conclusion..

the ref was a shiet one..

the penalty shouldn't have happened..



ribery ribena.. i'd never drink it anymore..