Overall though France dominated and their midfield including the likes of Cabaye, Malouda and Nasri outplayed & outpassed plodders such as Milner, Gerrard and Parker….just as well Lampard and Barry weren’t there as well!

Alan Pardew has a squad which has been creaking under the pressure of small numbers and big injuries.

Under Mike Ashley transfer windows have come to be feared rather than anticipated, what should the manager do if he is not backed by the owner?