Fortunately for all, the tempo increased after the break and Gerrard fizzed a drive straight at Paul Robinson before having a penalty shout rejected after a coming together with N'Zonzi.
England are already missing a host of players, including Paul Robinson, John Terry, Wayne Bridge, Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher, Ledley King, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Kieron Dyer and Wayne Rooney.