Skip to main content

Late Cole strike earns draw for England

  • Story Highlights
  • Joe Cole scores in injury time to earn England a 2-2 draw with Czech Republic
  • The visitors seemed set for victory courtesy of Marek Jankulovski's free-kick
  • FA chief executive Brian Barwick is to leave his position at the end of the year
  • Next Article in World Sport »
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font

(CNN) -- England midfielder Joe Cole scored in injury time to salvage a 2-2 friendly draw against the Czech Republic at Wembley.

Joe Cole (left) gets a hug from captain John Terry after England's 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic.

Milan Baros put the visitors ahead midway through the first half with a shot that deflected off defender Ashley Cole.

Wes Brown equalized with a header just before halftime, before Marek Jankulovski restored his team's lead in the 48th with a curling free-kick.

England looked set for a disappointing defeat until Cole struck from close- range well into added time.

The Czechs took a 22nd minute lead when Radek Sirl cut inside Brown and crossed to Baros in the penalty area.

The striker managed to turn and shoot despite John Terry holding his shirt. David James appeared to have the low shot covered, but the ball hit Cole's boot and looped over the keeper.

Brown made it 1-1 with his first goal in 18 international appearances when he headed in at the near post from David Beckham's 45th-minute corner, but the lead was short-lived.

Three minutes after the break, Jankulovski left James flat-footed by curling a left-footed free-kick from the edge of the area over the wall and into the top corner.

England substitute Stewart Downing shot wide from the edge of the area with a minute left, before Cole netted the equalizer after a scramble in the Czech goalmouth.

Meanwhile, English Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick is to leave his post at the end of the year. The decision was confirmed by FA officials shortly after Wednesday's match.

"I am sad to be leaving the FA -- an organisation it has been a privilege to lead -- but I believe it is in the best interests of all parties," Barwick said.

"I have always endeavored to do my job with passion, decency and integrity, and I believe I am leaving a strong legacy for the future."

  • E-mail
  • Save
  • Print