Rio Ferdinand Says Take Boos On The Chin

Rio Ferdinand believes that England fans were right to boo off the national team at Webley last night as they slumped to a 1-2 defeat to France.

It was the first home defeat for England since Fabio Capello came on board as manager as the Italian experimented with a largely inexperienced side.

Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard were the only really experienced players that made the starting line-up with Henderson and Carroll both made their England debuts.

But it was an uninspired performance from the side and Ferdinand has called for the players to not be too disheartened by the boos.

Speaking to the London Evening Standard the England Captain said: "The crowd were disappointed. They wanted us to play well and were probably frustrated, just like we were.

"We didn't put on a good show and as a team we have to take it on the chin."

And while last night the manager did go with youth, the likes of Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and John Terry are sidelined with injuries, Ferdinand thinks that the team should be a blend of youth and experience.

"People were saying we need young players in there and revamp the whole squad but if you want to get results, you have to blend the two.

"You're not going to do it with a revamp of all young players. You have to blood it the right way and it is up to the manager to find the right balance.

"We have to realise we had quite an inexperienced side, which included two debutants and another making just his second cap.

"They were actually the only positives to take out of the game. Carroll did well with what service he did get, Henderson wasn't phased and Gibbs did well."

England currently sit second in their 2012 qualifying group, but have played one match less than Montenegro, who currently top the group.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw