What the back pages of the papers say - March 27

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DAILY MAIL

David Beckham's 100th cap and Rio Ferdinand's arrival as captain were overshadowed by the return of Calamity James in Paris as France gave Fabio Capello his first taste of defeat as England coach

THE SUN

Fabio Capello insisted he was 'happy' despite a wretched night for England and David Beckham in Paris.

Also: Fernando Torres limped out of Spain's friendly with Italy last night after a collision with Azzurri defender Marco Materazzi ... George Burley thanked Kenny Miller for sparing his blushes and then admitted: "There's still work to do".

DAILY MIRROR

David James relived his Euro 2004 nightmare last night after conceding a calamitous penalty as England crashed to defeat in the Stade de France.

Also: Rafael Benitez has emerged as a surprise favourite to become the new Barcelona boss

THE GUARDIAN

Fabio Capello may have suffered his first setback as England's head coach last night but the Italian departed St Denis insisting he had gleaned significant 'positives' despite seeing his side slip to anaemic defeat to France.

THE TIMES

It had been billed as a celebration of David Beckham's 100th appearance for England, but instead there was a familiar sense of gloom around the national team last night as a miserable 1-0 defeat by France brought Fabio Capello's honeymoon period to an abrupt conclusion.

Also: Bradley Wiggins rescued a troubled opening day for Great Britain in the Track World Championships with a successful defence of his world title in the men's individual pursuit.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

The French used to bury their kings in the St Denis necropolis near here, and it was impossible to escape the feeling that David Beckham's England career was also laid to rest last night.

Also: The Rugby Football Union's management board took the unanimous decision last night to get the World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson on board as England team manager.

THE INDEPENDENT

For you, Fabio Capello, the honeymoon is over.

Also: The long-term futures of England's head coach, Brian Ashton, and former red rose captain Martin Johnson were left in limbo last night after an inconclusive meeting of the Rugby Football Union's management board.

DAILY STAR

Controversial ref Mike Riley is axed from the Premier League list this weekend.

DAILY EXPRESS

David Beckham won his long-awaited 100th cap, but his golden boots were the only thing that glittered in a dull England display.

Also: The Football Association began the task of cleaning up football's image yesterday by formally charging Javier Mascherano for his manic reaction to being red-carded against Manchester United.

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