England vs. France Euro 2012: Biggest Heroes and Zeroes for Roy Hodgson's Side

England have got their Euro 2012 campaign off to a solid start after a resolute performance against France in Donetsk tonight.

Roy Hodgson's side battled their way to a deserved draw as they defended with great discipline and frustrated France for long periods during the game.

Laurent Blanc's side, one of the form sides in the competition and unbeaten in 21 games, were firm favourites to take all three points against Hodgson's fledgling side—the second youngest in the competition behind Germany.

But it was the former West Brom manager who will probably be happiest, as his team were disciplined throughout his first competitive game as England manager.

There are obvious improvements to be made—England were poor in possession—but they held their new shape well, 4-2-3-1, and a number of players put in key defensive displays.

John Terry, as ever, was key at centre-half and organised his team mates brilliantly as Jolean Lescott put in, quite possibly, his best-ever display in an England shirt. Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson were both comfortable in the full-back positions.

To add to that defensive platform, Steven Gerrard had the most disciplined performance of his 93- game England career. Scott Parker, making his 14th cap, was equally as important.

Up front, England were industrious without ever being brilliant, but Roy Hodgson must be delighted in the platform that seems to be in place for the return of Wayne Rooney against Ukraine.

The result was better than the performance. After a build up that threatened to derail their hopes before they even started, optimism has returned for Hodgson and England.

Here we look at the heroes and zeroes in England's 1-1 draw against France.

Joe Hart: Zero

The England keeper came into Euro 2012 with a huge reputation as possibly the best keeper in the world.

On this display, he has a little more to go before he can be regarded in such tones.

He made a couple of bad mistakes in the first half, including Samir Nasri's goal when he let the ball in at his near post after taking up a poor position.

Otherwise, he had a decent game.

Glen Johnson: Hero

The Liverpool full-back has had a mixed season at club level, but he was assured at the back in Hodgson's first competitive game in charge.

Defensively he did almost everything right. He supported his midfield when the time was right.

If he could improve upon his distribution, he would be a fitting successor to Gary Neville.

Ashley Cole: Hero

After 12 years at the top, Ashley Cole remains the best left full in the world.

England's most experienced major competition player is always composed on or off the ball.

He was key in helping Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain settle in so quickly.

John Terry: Hero

Say what you like about John Terry off the pitch but, on the pitch, he is never less than a colossus. Tonight against France was no exception.

He organises his defence with ease and is easily the best centre-half in the competition. If England can improve their possession and game going forward, then they have a fine foundation in the Chelsea-axis at the back.

Jolean Lescott: Hero

Lescott made two little pieces of history against France when he scored his first international goal in 17 internationals.

By scoring that goal he became the first Manchester City player ever to score in the European championships.

Unfortunately for England, Samir Nasri became the second City player to score in the competition just minutes later.

Defensively, Lescott was solid. But, his passing out of defence was sub par.

Iif England want to progress, then this factor will have to improve immeasurably.

Scott Parker: Hero

Industrious, honest and disciplined describes Scott Parker's performance best.

It also says much about how little and how badly England passed the ball, when you realise that Parker made the most passes of any England player with just 48.

Defensively, he worked in tandem with Gerrard and offered defensive cover to his defence when they needed it most. Going forward, he was average at best.

He visibly wilted in the intense heat late on. As a result, his passing dropped considerably.

Hodgson was left with little option than to substitute him.

Steven Gerrard: Hero

Playing central midfield is not a position that comes naturally for Steven Gerrard.

At club level, he has always done his best work behind the striker. At international level, he has usually struggled to reach those heights.

Make no mistake, this was no vintage Gerrard performance. However, it was easily the most disciplined of his 93-game England career.

His partnership and zonal coverage with Parker was key in France being forced to shoot from distance. From a defensive point of view he, can be very happy.

He was negligible as an attacking threat, but that was mostly down to the Liverpool captain following his manager's orders to the letter.

James Milner: Zero

This was not one of Milner's best games for either club or country. He must count himself very lucky that Gareth Barry had to pull out through injury.

Otherwise, the City player could have found himself on the bench.

Against France, he constantly took up poor positions, was defensively poor and was extremely bad in possession. Milner gave the ball away 13 times.

As a result, his team were under more pressure than they should have been.

He needs to improve on every aspect of his game as the competition grows.

Ashley Young: Zero

Young has flattered to deceive at club level this season. He has carried that form through to the international team.

He is perhaps the player under most threat by the return of Wayne Rooney and, on this form, he will be no loss.

He started well but faded badly, and offered very little in terns of an attacking threat or as a defensive aid.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Hero

It was something of a surprise when Roy Hodgson named the 18-year-old Arsenal starlet in the starting XI to face France.

The maturity, skill and decision-making the youngster showed belied his young age.

He was England's most creative player. When given the chance to get into the final third of the field, he always looked dangerous and rarely gave the ball away cheaply.

It wasn't all perfect though, as the youngster was defensively naive. It was the result of taking up the wrong position and not tracking his runner that he got booked.

If Oxlade-Chamberlain can continue to show this incredible ability to learn, with Ashely Cole behind him as cover, then Hodgson could really reap the benefits with a truly frightening combination.

Danny Welbeck: Hero

It was a mixed bag from the Manchester United forward.

He showed great industry, a tireless work rate and looked very good in holding the ball up, but he never threatened Rami or Mexes all night.

It was telling that he did not have one shot at goal all night.

Technique-wise, he has a good first touch and his strength belies his stature. He could become a viable option as the lone striker, with Rooney behind him when his club teammate returns against Ukraine next week.

However, he will have to improve his attacking running off the ball and improve upon his awareness to find spaces to shoot—but the foundations of a great player are there for all to see.