FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Belgium beat England 4-3 on penalties after a goalless result at half-time in the Hassan II tournament here on Friday.

Rob Lee missed England’s first penalty and Les Ferdinand saw his attempt pushed on to a post by keeper Philippe Van de Walle to settle the outcome.

It was a poor match between a lethargic England and a Belgian side vastly changed from their 1-0 defeat to France in this event on Wednesday.

Paul Merson, who has needed to prove his form for England coach Glenn Hoddle, may not have done enough to have earned selection for the World Cup.

Hoddle will have been pleased with the work-rate of Lee, the assured keeping of Nigel Martyn, and yet more proof of how Michael Owen’s sheer speed will be a major weapon next month.

Who joins him is the question. As well as Merson, Hoddle gave Nicky Butt and Lee their chance in the last game before France, and with Alan Shearer on the bench, and David Seaman and Tony Adams rested, handed the captaincy to Sol Campbell.

At 23 years and eight months, Campbell became the youngest man to lead England since Bobby Moore, 22 years and a month old when he wore the armband for the first time exactly 35 years ago against Czechoslovakia in Bratislava.

Campbell was one of perhaps only three men who can expect to start against Tunisia in their World Cup opener – the others being Gascoigne and Graeme Le Saux.

Martyn made a sensational flying save from a shot by Enzo Scifo, back in the Belgian side, after 87 minutes, in the best chance of a dour match. Then came the shootout which decided the outcome.