Ambrose strike saves England

France and England will go into the second leg of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off all square following a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane.

Late drama
Anthony Le Tallec looked to have given France a first-leg advantage when he struck just after the restart but Darren Ambrose levelled late on in front of a crowd of 34,494 - a new record for an England U21 game.

Bent chance
Darren Bent produced the first moment of note in the 18th minute when his half-volley from Carlton Cole's flick-on was turned away by Jérémy Gavanon. Cole was causing the visitors problems once more just before the half-hour mark, cutting inside from the right before hitting a low shot which was comfortably dealt with by the goalkeeper.

Goal-line clearance
Franck Ribéry posed France's biggest threat in the opening half. After 27 minutes Tom Huddlestone conceded possession to the Olympique de Marseille forward whose low cross was flicked goalwards by Le Tallec but turned around the post by defender Ryan Taylor.

Opening goal
The Sunderland AFC forward was more fortunate two minutes after the restart, hitting in Jimmy Briand's cross from close-range to give the visitors the lead. Le Tallec almost doubled his goal haul eight minutes later but his free-kick flew just wide of Scott Carson's right-hand post.

Zubar heroics
France had Ronald Zubar to thank for keeping their lead intact on the hour when he cleared off the line after the on-rushing Gavanon was beaten by Bent's header. Le Tallec came close again for France moments later but failed to hit the target after Carson had punched the ball straight to him.

Ambrose leveller
England manager Peter Taylor introduced a third striker in Dean Ashton in the 78th minute and the move paid dividends with just three minutes remaining as the Norwich City FC forward drilled a ball across goal which was turned in by Ambrose.