It was certainly an experimental line up for England, starting right at the very back with Joe Hart suffering from a back injury, meaning a fifth cap for Birmingham City's Ben Foster. Phil Jagielka made a makeshift right back, denying a first chance under Fabio Capello for Micah Richards while Kieran Gibbs started at left back for the first time. Jordan Henderson, on debut, and Gareth Barry filled the holding midfield positions while a line of three played ahead of them in Theo Walcott, Steven Gerrard and James Milner while Andy Carroll of Newcastle was given the job of leading the line. Their opponents lined up 4-3-3, a frontline of Valbuena, Benzema and Malouda looking particularly threatening to England's inexperienced defence while Gourcouff and an in form Nasri held the ability to threat from midfield.
Shirtless French fans in the crowd sang galantly along with their national anthem before a drumroll lead to a rapturous rendition of 'God Save The Queen'.
Carroll's impact was immediately felt, the Geordie centre forward winning a free kick after just thirty seconds of play, resulting in a first shot on target from Steven Gerrard.
The first five minutes showed the difference in the two teams styles of play, England playing longer, firm passes while the French played with a short, sharp assurance to their play, with the full backs happy to push forward.
The first France chance fell to Florent Malouda. Allowed too much room on the edge of the area the Chelsea winger struck a shot that nearly squirmed away from the clutches of Ben Foster.
It was Malouda again who looked the most likely player to force his way through England's defence as he twisted his way into the area, only to get his curling effort wrong.
Foster was soon back in action though as he beat away a fierce half volley from Yoann Gourcuff.
England found the first fifteen minutes difficult, unable to keep hold of the ball and make telling passes and it was an uncomfortable move just inside of their own half that saw the ball given away to France who, moved the ball around the edge of the area, Benzema eventually playing a one-two with Florent Malouda before slamming the ball into the corner of Ben Foster's net.
An England breakaway, the result of a challenge from frontman Andy Caroll on the halway line, saw Steven Gerrard attempt to slip Theo Walcott through, only for the ball to have a little too much weight on it to allow the Arsenal winger a chance on goal.
France pushed their players up the field, playing a high line and shutting off supply lines for the England back four, frustrating them and forcing them to play high balls forward. The Wembley crowd, however, were unforgiving to England and the often heard boos were soon heard again.
An optimistic effort from James Milner came as a result of a good flick from Andy Caroll, showing signs that he was starting to get into the game. As France countered the England defence were spread and Karim Benzema, short of competitive matches this season, blasted a shot wide when well placed to create for the away side.
Caroll was soon involved again, nodding the ball down for Steven Gerrard, making a late run into the box, but the Liverpool captain was unable to keep his half volley down.
Handball appeals against Phillipe Mexes went unheard by the referee as he slid in to stop Theo Walcott, getting his first oppurtunity to run at the opposition in the game.
There was a disgruntled murmer from England fans at half time as they had watched a frustrating performance from their side, unable to create any flowing passing moves and finding it difficult to get anything out of their 4-2-3-1 formation as the French strangled their options.
There were three changes for England at half time, Ashley Young coming on for Gareth Barry, moving Gerrard into a deeper role, Micah Richards for Rio Ferdinand, moving Jagielka into the centre of defence, and Adam Johnson replacing Theo walcott on the right. France also made a change, Mamadou Sako on the pitch in place of Phillipe Mexes at the heart of the French defence.
After Valbunea lost the ball in midfield Ashley Young slid a ball through for Steven Gerrard but as the midfielder triew to cut inside on his left foot a tackle came in from Rami to halt the move.
Bacary Sagna burst down the right hand flank after being released by Yoann Gourcuff and put a floating cross into the centre which was swept home by Carlos Valbuena to double the away sides advantage. It proved to be the movement of France down the right that was England's undoing as Sagna was allowed far too much space by the inexperienced Gibbs.
Following a foul on Adam Johnson a free kick from Ashley Young was allowed to bounce in the box by the French defence and Steven Gerrard, ghosting in at the back post, found himself unable to get over the ball and his header from a tight angle brushed the roof of the net.
Karim Benzema left the pitch to jeers from the home support as he was replaced by Loic Remy while Alou Diarra made his way onto the field in place of goalscorer Carlos Valbuena.
Andy Caroll's big headed chance arrived after 69 minutes but his glance only found the arms of Hugo Lloris. Caroll was soon to be removed from the field, however, as Cardiff City's Jay Bothroyd to become the first Championship player since David Nugent in March 2007 came on in his place while Stephen Warnock took the place of Kieran Gibbs.
A short free kick from James Milner was given to Adam Johnson who tried to lever the ball into the far corner, only to see multiple deflections on his shot which ended up going out for a corner.
France's star man Florent Malouda was the next player to be given an early finish, as he was taken off for Dominic Payet.
After some unusually bad passing from France Adam Johnson was given the chance to move in from the edge of the area and after his low cross was only half cleared Steven Gerrard passed up the oppurtunity to score as he fired wide from 10 yards out.
With eight minutes remaining France nearly added another to their tally as Arsenal's Samir Nasri fired a shot against Foster's near post.
Things went from bad to worse for England as Steven Gerrard stretched into a challenge, only to pull his hamstring and he was soon replaced by Peter Crouch, handing the captains armband to young James Milner. France also took the chance to make a change as Guillame Hoarrau came on in place of the impressive Yoann Gourcuff.
England pulled a goal back through Peter Crouch who stroked home a corner from Ashley Young only seconds after replacing Gerrard and it was game on. The announcement of five added minutes was met with cheers from the home faithful and there was soon to be a chance for Jay Bothroyd. Adam Johnson picked up a ball on the byline and clipped a ball into the centre but there was little power behind Bothroyd's header which was snatched from the air by Lloris.
The Wembley fans let their frustrations known at the final whistle as they booed the England players off the pitch.
It was a poor night for England who once again flattered to deceive with a flat performance, showing little magic or spark and failing to create any clear cut chances from open play. The number of young players being blooded was a positive, although it was only Carroll and the substitutes Adam Johnson and Ashley Young who showed anything of subtance. Gerrard was too often missed out and unable to put his mark on the game as Capello would have liked.
Next up for England in competitive action is Wales, although it is likely that there will be at least one friendly before then, Argentina being touted as possible opponents. Whoever the opposition may be, though, England will struggle if they continue to play in this vein.
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