Capello's honeymoon period ends

By Mike Collett

PARIS (Reuters) - Fabio Capello was left in no doubt just how big a task he faces in turning England into contenders again after watching his side lose 1-0 to France in a friendly international on Wednesday.

After beating Switzerland 2-1 last month in his first match as England coach, the 61-year-old Italian's honeymoon period came to a swift end at the Stade de France when England were ultimately brushed aside by France in the second half.

Capello insisted afterwards he was pleased with England's performance and their dogged persistence to battle right to the end, but there was also much about the overall display to discourage anyone with England's interests at heart.

The build-up had been overshadowed by David Beckham winning his 100th cap for his country, and the 32-year Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder had a solid performance compared to some of his team mates before leaving to a standing ovation after 63 minutes.

But Capello's decision to experiment with Wayne Rooney as a lone striker for the first half failed to produce any real threat to the French goal despite Beckham's attempts to find him with his crosses.

Steven Gerrard, who had a poor game in midfield and was one of four players substituted at half-time, had three scoring chances and failed to test French keeper Gregory Coupet with any of them.

SWITCHED FORMATION

Capello switched from a 4-5-1 system, replacing Rooney up front with a 4-4-2 formation in the second half pairing Michael Owen with Peter Crouch, but they too failed to make an impression.