The game was quite annoying to watch yesterday. Basically, whenever the two centre-backs had the ball for England, one of them would launch the ball forwards, completely by-passing the midfield and getting cleared by the French defenders. It was very difficult for them to build up attacks.
When the French had the ball in the same position, they'd work it better through the midfield and up to Benzema. There was more movement going on in midfield, more stuff happening off the ball, which was perfectly demonstrated in the movement for France's second goal. England didn't have that, it was all very pedestrian or Stationary, with nobody working the French midfield. No movement.
The one thing that gets me is that although the French team has changed over the years, they have a definite style. A grace to their play and never doubt that they have players who can hold onto the ball, yet move it forward at will. Its all in their technique. That is one thing that doesn't change no matter who is in the team. I don't think England have that. Yet the Spanish, The Brazilians, The Dutch and the Argentinians all have a particular style. Even the Germans. No matter who plays in the team.