England Make the Most of the Early Season

England showed a fighting spirit in Amsterdam as they recovered from 2-0 down to salvage a draw against Holland.

Individual mistakes overshadowed a decent first half from Fabio Capello’s side, as both Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Barry’s wayward back-passes ended in Holland goals for Dirk Kuyt and Rafael Van Der Vaart, in the opening 45 minutes.

But two goals from substitute Jerrmaine Defoe gave England a well earned draw against the Number 3 country in the world, and one that have already secured their place in South Africa for next years World Cup.

Holland were unusually inept for long periods of the game, but they crucially did the simple things correctly particularly in the first half where England’s defensive capabilities were called into question.

The visitor’s two mistakes were the only openings the Dutch made in the entire 90 minutes in-fact as England’s second half substitutions excelled in dragging themselves back into the game.

Carlton Cole and James Milner were particular magnificent with the West Ham forward producing his best performance of his short England career.

Milner provided the cross for Defoe’s second, while troubling Holland’s full back John Heitinga throughout his second half display.

Michael Carrick boosted his reputation in the middle of the park, laying on the pass for Defoe’s opening goal while producing a calming influence in the defensive third.

Critics had slated England strength in depth before the game, but after this performance Fabio Cappello will be fully confident of his entire squad.

Only Ashley Young will be disappointed with his performance, as the Aston Villa winger failed to stamp his mark on the game, in stark contrast to his fellow team-mate Milner.

In previous friendlies against France and Spain England had poorly performed on the road, while failing to compete against some of the world’s best countries.

Tonight however, for almost the entire 90 minutes, England showed the composure Capello has instilled in the side, while they seem to have the added confidence to play an expansive game away from home.

The real star of the night was certainly Cole, who despite not getting on the score sheet played brilliantly with his back to goal and proved how he should be the one to compete with Emile Heskey for a starting place in the side and not Peter Crouch.

Crouch doesn’t seem to quiet have the same unique touch on the ball, and Cole’s ability to bring others into play with both feet and head is something Crouch hasn’t been able to fully grasp.

Defoe may well have assured his place on the plane to South Africa next summer with this performance, another success under the stewardship of Capello.

Tonight England learnt plenty that will stand them in good stead for next summers World Cup, and enough that might quieten the critics who hinted that this fixture might be needless before the season has started.

Capello might suggest otherwise.