The Manchester City man received the ball on the edge of the box and fired past his club team-mate at the near post to equalise before half-time after Joleon Lescott put England ahead in the 30th minute.

France controlled much of the possession, with Nasri a constant threat and he is confident that his team will progress to the next round of the tournament.

"It was important not to lose. We have made much progress," he told reporters after the draw.

"We are more mature. And we want to do something with this generation.

"Now, we need to focus on the next (match). I am confident in our ability to qualify for (the) quarter-finals."

The 24-year-old commented on his goal, hinting that he was able to fool the England keeper by beating him at his near post.

"(Franck) Ribery gave me the ball. The English defence was slow to close me down so I had time to hit it. And as Joe Hart knows me well, I decided not to open up my foot as usual."

France's next Group D game is against Ukraine on Friday at the Donbass Arena.