Striker Dean Bowditch played 45 minutes as the England U19s defeated France 1-0 at Barnsley's Oakwell. The game was played in atrocious conditions, snow having fallen for two hours prior to kick-off.

With Bowditch looking likely to start at Sunderland on Sunday, Town boss Joe Royle had requested that Bowditch only play a half, U19 boss Martin Hunter withdrawing the frontman at the break.

The only goal of the game came in the 23rd minute, Derby's Lee Holmes curling in a 30-yarder. England endured a few nervous moments towards the end after Spurs defender received a second yellow card.

England U19s: Martin, Ifil, Giddings (Taylor 45), Huddlestone (Lennon 45), Mills, Craine, Morrison (Leadbitter 45), Jones, Jarvis (Wilson 81), Bowditch (Fryatt 45), Holmes.

Photo: Action Images

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