A strong second half performance from West Ham's Carlton Cole helped England snatch a 2-2 draw in Holland tonight.
The big striker came on as a second half replacement for Wayne Rooney and played a major role in England's second half comeback, with Fabio Capello's first choice XI having gone into the break two goals behind.Although failing to get on the scoresheet himself - both goals being scored by fellow substitute Jermain Defoe - Cole was instrumental at the apex of England's attack and played a major part in the equalising goal.
At the other end, Rob Green - who played the entire game - had a decent night although tomorrow's papers will no doubt highlight the fact that both of Holland's goals - which came as a result of errors by Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Barry - started from short passes by Green.
Matthew Upson, the third Hammer in the squad was an unused substitute. Former Hammers featuring included Glenn Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe.
* Junior Stanislas made his debut for England's under 21s as the young Lions drew 0-0 in Holland last night. The 19-year-old played for 83 minutes beofre being replaced by on loan Freddie Sears, also making his debut for the under 21s. James Tomkins played for a full 90 minutes.
Holland U21s 0 England U21s 0
Holland: Krul, Janmaat, Van Eijden (Bruma 46), Pieters (Blind 46), Kuiper, Donald (John 63), Fer (Van Der Heijden 46), Barazite, De Jong, Biseswar, Emnes (Anita 63).
Subs not used: Nienhuis, Goosens, Leerdam.
Booked: Janmaat.
England: Loach (Fielding 46), Richards (Naughton 58), Gibbs (Bertrand 58), Mancienne, Tomkins, Rodwell (Smalling 58), Stanislas (Sears 83), Cattermole (Carroll 71), Delph (Wilshere 58), Rose, Vaughan (Sturridge 46).
Referee: Babak Rafati.
Attendance: 6,500.
Holland 2 England 2
Holland: Stekelenburg, Heitinga, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Braafheid, De Jong, Schaars (Da Silva 82), Van der Vaart (Sneijder 46), Robben (Afellay 55), van Persie (Babel 46), Kuyt (Huntelaar 78).
Subs not used: Vorm, Marcellis, Van Der Wiel, De Zeeuw.
Goals: Kuyt (10), Van der Vaart (38).
England: Green, Johnson, A.Cole (Bridge 84), Ferdinand, Terry, Barry (Carrick 46), Beckham (Wright-Phillips 46), Lampard, Young (Milner 68), Heskey (Defoe 46), Rooney (C.Cole 59).
Subs not used: Robinson, Upson, Lescott, Walcott, Hart.
Goals: Defoe (49,77).
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli.
Attendance: tbc.
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
