Bradford City defender Andy O'Brien played a leading role as England Under 21s fought back from a goal down to sink France in front of a record crowd.

The teenager produced a commanding display on the right side of England's back three and must be confident of winning a place in the next squad to be announced for the Euro qualifier against Poland next month.

The City defender was up against the French World Cup player Thierry Henry for much of the game and illustrated just what a fine prospect he is by snuffing out much of the Juventus star's attacking threat in front of a capacity Pride Park crowd of 32,865.

France had gone in front after 21 minutes when O'Brien managed to block a shot from striker Tofilou Maoulida only for the ball to unluckily rebound to Philippe Christanval and he swept his shot past Everton's Steve Simonsen.

The visitors deserved their lead at the break with England, playing just one man up front in the ineffective Michael Bridges, far too ponderous on the ball and being guilty of making too many passes when a more direct approach was called for.

However the introduction of Southampton's James Beattie, who had destroyed Leeds at the Dell just ten days earlier, and Blackburn's Matt Jansen turned the game with England sealing the win thanks to goals from Lee Bowyer and Matthew Upson.

England's change of tactics also allowed O'Brien much more chance to shine on the ball due to having both an outlet for his passes and more space to bring the ball out of defence. This allowed him to play some fine long range passes down the right flank which picked out either Beattie or Bowyer.

One telling 50-yard pass also nearly led to England winning a penalty when Bowyer took the ball in his stride before beating two men and then crashing to the ground under a heavy challenge.

After a tentative start, the talented teenager also looked comfortable alongside some of the Premiership's biggest stars and produced a number of telling tackles at vital times.

O'Brien also proved to be a danger in the France penalty area and managed an effort on goal in the 58th minute when a free kick from the impressive Seth Johnson was palmed down by goalkeeper Mickael Landreau.

The ball bounced once in the penalty area when O'Brien launched himself at the ball only for his header to be blocked by Landreau and hoofed out.

However despite not capping his debut with a goal, O'Brien's impressive display must mean he has a very good chance of being selected for England's next squad for the Euro 2000 qualifier against Poland on March 26.

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