BLACKBURN, Mar 28 (SW) - For this crunch World Cup Qualifying match England returned to Blackburn, scene of their Euro 2005 endeavours for the visit of France. So far there have been some interesting result none more so then the 1-0 defeat of France by Holland. With England gaining maximum points in their matches so far Group 5 which might have had France as the favorites was evenally poised.

Some of the England players were relieved just to be starting a game after being sidelined by the craziest spring weather in decades. Rachel Unitt spends most of the previous week quarantined in a separate room with a flu infection. So some could be forgiven for being a bit rusty. As it turned out the back line of Stoney, Philip and Unitt put in steady performances.

England's first chance started with a Unitt throw in. Taking the ball back she sent a long pass to Kelly Smith who put through Karen Carney, Bouhaddi however had read the situation and was able to gather the pass forward. A few minutes later it was France in attack. A long ball in from the left by Soubeyrand found Lattaf in the area, but poor finishing meant that the chance was lost. England had a free kick for a foul on Aluko thirty yards out. Unitt and Yankey ran over the ball leaving Fara Williams to put in a good shot which tested Bouhaddi. England were at their best in the first half and on 32 minutes a kick out from Rachel Brown found it's way to Aluko who wriggled past Provost and Lattaf before firing in a shot which the French keeper held. A stoppage time free kick taken by Bouhaddi found its way to Lattaf who got between Chapman and Stoney, her shot however went wide of Rachel Brown's Left hand post.

In the second half France were livelier. A poor defensive clearance from Katie Chapman found Tonazzi but her shot went wide of the post. Then on 65 mins France replaced Lattaf with Marinette Pichon. Pichon's first touch was to latch on to a Bompastor cross but her header was brilliantally saved by Rachel Brown. Brown however collided with the post making this save and had to stay on her feet as the Norwegian Referee allowed play to rage on, which was quite irresponsible to be frank. But Brown finally got treatment and was able to carry on. Soon afterwards a forward ball from Bussaylin found Touazzi who sent in an angled shot but this was palmed away by Brown for another great save.

Indeed Rachel Brown was having the game of her life. It could have been spoiled however when it appeared that she'd gathered a ball outside the area but she was given the benefit of the doubt and play carried on. As the game moved into stoppage time Pichon got through into the area but the advancing Brown managed to smoother the ball to earn a share of the spoils and player of the match award. The draw keeps England in it and if they win their remaining home fixtures they could go to France needing only a draw.

England - France 0-0 (0-0)

Referee: Bente Ovedie Skogvang, Attendance: 12,164