Tom Heaton was handed his first England start against in the international friendly in Paris.
The 31-year-old Burnley goalkeeper was only handed 45 minutes against the French, but it was certainly eventful for him.
The first half finished 2-1 after goals from Samuel Umtiti and Djibril Sidibe gave France the lead in spite of Harry Kane’s poachers finish for England.
Umtiti equalises for France after Heaton saved Giroud's header – watch LIVE on @ITV pic.twitter.com/j3a6cUgEzs
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 13, 2017
Sidibe is the quickest to react to give @equipedefrance the lead – watch live on ITV pic.twitter.com/lJcRdoMDug
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 13, 2017
Both of the goals Heaton conceded were followed up on the rebound after good saves from the keeper – which left people feeling rather divided.Some thought it was the men in front of Heaton who were at fault.
Any chance of anybody in the #eng defence or central mid giving Heaton any protection – a proper challenge, some concentration #FRAENG
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) June 13, 2017
Can't call Heaton on Timmy Chocolate Wrists, centre half should have done better.
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) June 13, 2017
Heaton's made 2 quality saves but let down by a defence still living in 2016 doing the mannequin challenge #FRAANG #FRAENG
— Taylor Ellicock (@Taylor_Ellicock) June 13, 2017
Meanwhile some, inevitably, blamed him.
Is anyone going to criticise Heaton for palming that straight to Umtiti or is that against narrative?
— Mark Booth (@markbooth_nycfc) June 13, 2017
If Heaton would like to stop palming the ball straight to their players that'd be great.. ???? Joe Hart would be getting slaughtered by every1
— Sam Watts (@Watts18Sam) June 13, 2017
But of course, others just blamed them all.
Awful defending and bad goalkeeping, Heaton should be able to push that out wider not back into danger!
— Mr DT © (@MrDtAFC) June 13, 2017
At least they’re being even-handed…
