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Five memorable meetings between England and France ahead of Saturday’s showdown
Ahead of England’s upcoming World Cup clash with France, it’s time to wind the clock back. The Three Lions previously locked horns with Les Bleus back at the European Championships in 2004, slipping to a 2-1 defeat. David Beckham missed a penalty that day, making history in the process, and admitted after the game he was devastated by his failure to score from 12 yards.
England had gone into their match with France hopeful of winning Euro 2004, with Sven-Goran Eriksson possessing one of the best squads at the time.
David James was picked in goal, in front of a back four that consisted of Gary Neville, Ledley King, Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole.
In midfield, Beckham was selected on the right with Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes also getting the nod.
And, up top, a young Wayne Rooney was deployed alongside Michael Owen as England looked to get their tournament off to a winning start.
France also had superstars in their team, however, with the 1998 World Cup winners putting out a team that consisted of Fabien Barthez, William Gallas, Lillian Thurham, Mikael Silvestre, Bixente Lizarazu, Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira, Claude Makelele, Zinedine Zidane, David Trezeguet and Thierry Henry.
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England news: David Beckham will likely be in attendance for France World Cup showdown (Image: GETTY)
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England took the lead through Lampard, with the midfielder heading home a Beckham free-kick in the 38th minute to give the Three Lions lift-off.
However, in the second half, Beckham saw a penalty saved by former Manchester United team-mate Barthez.
The skipper consequently became the first England player to miss a spot-kick in regulation time in the history of the Euros.
And Beckham was made to regret his failure to convert from 12 yards with France netting a double through the inspirational Zidane to claim all three points.
The former Juventus and Real Madrid star drew his side level with a superb free-kick in the 90th minute, before scoring a penalty of his own three minutes later to clinch victory.