The Charlton midfielder was a prominent figure in the second half, operating mainly on the right after switching flanks with Aston Villa's James Milner.
He said: "In the first half we didn't perform well. The manager had a few words for us at half time and we came out fighting in the second half and got the right result in the end.
"We started sloppy in the second half and conceded a goal which was very frustrating but in the last 40 minutes the lads were fantastic. We defended well, attacked very well and got the right result. Now we can go out there and hopefully get the right result."
England were without Jerome Thomas who picked up an injury in training last week.
Thomas said: "It's disappointing because you never like to miss big games. Hopefully I'll be fit for the Manchester United game after the international break."
Darren Bent who was in action for Peter Taylor’s side at White Hart Lane on Friday evening will again line up against the French in the second leg on Tuesday night. As well as hopefully helping England qualify for the European Championships a goal from Bent in an England shirt won’t harm his chances of getting back into the senior squad regularly before next summer’s World Cup.