Published: 30 March, 2016
by PAUL COWLING at Wembley Stadium

International Friendly
ENGLAND 1, NETHERLANDS 2

AFTER the euphoria of the away win in Germany, the Three Lions reverted to type as the Netherlands came from behind to inflict England’s first home defeat in three years.

“We didn’t have the intensity and creativity that we had in Berlin,” said England coach Roy Hodgson.

“We had enough possession, but I am disappointed we didn’t make enough goal chances in front of a great crowd of 82,000.”

England struggled to break down an organised Dutch side in a frustrating first half, but they finally took the lead just before the break when Jamie Vardy swept home a pinpoint cross from Tottenham’s Kyle Walker.

Walker was one of eight changes from Saturday’s win, as Hodgson “aired” his squad.

On the other flank, Walker’s club-mate, Danny Rose, retained his place.

Assured on Saturday, Rose was less so this time, and was responsible for the clumsy handball that brought the visitors back into the game on 51 minutes, Vincent Janssen sending keeper Fraser Forster the wrong way with his spotkick.

With the scores level, Theo Walcott was introduced from the bench. The Arsenal man’s lively cameo was full of pace and purpose, and though his finishing was wayward, it will have given Hodgson food for thought as he contemplates his 23-man squad for the Euros.

Hodgson then turned to Spurs goal machine Harry Kane to try and restore England’s lead, but it was the Dutch who controversially scored what proved to be the winner on 77 minutes.

Phil Jagielka was clearly bundled over by Janssen in the penalty area. But with England switched off and claiming the foul, the Alkmaar striker was able to cross for Luciano Narsingh to apply the finishing touch.

“The second goal was exceptionally harsh on us,” bemoaned Hodgson.

But despite admitting the Three Lions had lost momentum following the defeat, Hodgson remained upbeat.

“We still have three more friendlies to get our momentum back,” he added.

“When I reflect on this game, we will find the positives.”

ENGLAND: Forster, Walker, Smalling (Jagielka, 70), Stones, Rose (Clyne, 59); Drinkwater (Dier, 85), Milner (Alli, 82), Lallana (Kane, 70), Barkley, Sturridge (Walcott, 58), Vardy.
Attendance: 82,831.