England captain Rio Ferdinand admitted England's slow start cost them against France as they lost the friendly international 2-1 at Wembley.

Karim Benzema scored in the first half and Mathieu Valbuena netted after the break before substitute Peter Crouch volleyed in a late consolation goal.

Coach Fabio Capello handed debuts to Newcastle striker Andy Carroll and Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson, while Cardiff's Jay Bothroyd also made his first England appearance as a substitute.

Ferdinand said: ''We could do better. We didn't really pass the ball and we didn't really get going until the last 15 minutes.

''We didn't play to our strengths today. We didn't control the ball and we didn't retain possession.''

Despite the poor showing Ferdinand felt there were positives to take out of the game.

''I thought Andy Carroll did well today, Kieran Gibbs and Jordan Henderson handled it well.''

Capello agreed that it was vital for him to see younger players in action.

''It is important for me that some young players play here at Wembley against a good team like France,'' Capello told BBC Radio 5 Live.

''In this friendly fixture it was important to know the value of the young players.

''I told the players it is different to play with the Under-21s than to play here (against France).

''In the first half France played better, in the second half we played better.

''I am happy for Carroll for his performance and I understand he is a good player for the future for England.''