Capello learns about squad in defeat

Fabio Capello was pleased with England's performance against France despite losing the friendly 1-0.

Franck Ribery scored a penalty to give France a 1-0 victory at the Stade de France but Capello is convinced his team is improving steadily.

He said: "I saw some very good things against a top-level team. That showed me what our worth is."

Capello started the match with Wayne Rooney playing as a solo striker, but he changed formation at half-time by bringing on Peter Crouch and Michael Owen.

He added: "I made the team play two different ways so I could see many players. My ideas are now a lot clearer."

However, England hardly threatened the France goal and their best chances were headers by Gerrard in the first half.

Capello said: "I'm happy that the team showed they didn't want to lose the game. They played right to the end. This was the most positive thing considering the level of the opponent."

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