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WINNING EFFORT: Anelka (left) takes a tumble after being fouled by David James in the box. -- PHOTO: AFP
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SAINT-DENIS (FRANCE) - NICOLAS Anelka seems to enjoy playing against England.
Nine years after tormenting the English defence with both goals in France's 2-0 win at Wembley, the Chelsea striker shone again on Wednesday.
He won the penalty that helped Les Bleus beat England 1-0 in the friendly at the Stade de France.
Having already tested goalkeeper David James with a header and a shot on the turn, the Frenchman collected a precise pass from Francois Clerc in the 31st minute and ran through England's defence.
His run eluded England centre-back John Terry, his Chelsea teammate.
James rushed off his line but Anelka was too quick and poked the ball round him, forcing the goalkeeper to send the striker flying.
'Sadly, he knocked the ball past me and I ran into him,' said the goalkeeper.
Franck Ribery converted easily from the spot, but it was Anelka who drew the plaudits as the crowd broke into chants of 'Ole, Ole' when he next touched the ball.
He teased England's defenders throughout with neat dragbacks and stepovers.
'Anelka is playing the way we know he can,' French coach Raymond Domenech said. 'He is quick, he can hold the ball up well, and he can make runs from very deep as we saw with the penalty.
'It was not an easy match for the strikers. We played very deep and they did not get much possession.'
Not so long ago, Anelka received jeers from French fans.
He refused a call-up to France's squad as a late replacement in 2002 and spent the next 31/2 years in international exile.
Domenech recalled him to the squad for the friendly against Costa Rica in November 2005.
Although he scored in that match, Anelka did not make Domenech's squad for the 2006 World Cup Finals.
But he now seems sure to be included for the European Championships - after helping Les Bleus win Euro 2000 alongside Thierry Henry, who missed Wednesday's game with an unspecified injury.
Said Anelka: 'If I'm not at Euro 2008, it'll be a disappointment, although I've overcome such obstacles before.'
ASSOCIATED PRESS
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