Euro 2012 Group D: France 1 England 1

England and France played out a 1-1 draw in Donetsk on Monday to share the spoils in the first match of Group D at Euro 2012.

Manchester City centre-back Joleon Lescott gave England the lead in the 30th minute at the Donbass Arena, when he headed home Steven Gerrard’s free kick.

Lescott’s club team-mate Samir Nasri hit back for France, beating Joe Hart with a low shot from outside the area to make it 1-1 going into the half-time break.

And another Manchester City man had an important role to play, with England goalkeeper Joe Hart called upon to deny Alou Diarra and Karim Benzema in the first and second half respectively.

Laurent Blanc’s France controlled possession throughout the contest, but Roy Hodgson’s organised team rode their luck to escape with a point.

Next up for England is a match against Sweden on Friday, while France take on tournament co-hosts Ukraine.

More to follow…