England vs Holland review

Ok so the result wasn't what we quite wanted but there were plenty of positives from Stuart Pearce's first game in charge of the England side.

First the way the team came back from 2-0 down against a very tough Dutch team was a positive and also giving international minutes to a few squad players also benefited the team. Apart from a 3 minute spell in the second half which yielded the two Dutch goals, England were by far the more dangerous team.

Going through Pearce's selection and Joe Hart didn't have a chance with either goal and them aside didn't really have to much to deal with. A rating of 6 is about fair.

Micah Richards showed just why Fabio Capello was unsure of him. Great going forward but lumbering in getting back into position. He is definitely behind a fully fit Kyle Walker now and maybe Glenn Johnson as well. A rating of 5 is based on his overall play, both going forward and defending.

Chris Smalling looked reliable as ever even though he was caught out on the first Dutch goal. An ugly clash of heads during the second finished his night early but this boy looks comfortable at every level. A 6 is a fair rating.

Gary Cahill played ok and tried to show his credentials. I was a little surprised to see him start ahead of Joleon Lescott. However he drove England on and showed he can be a regular for England especially as a replacement for John Terry. A rating of 7 was quite deserving.

Leighton Baines was lucky to start for me. There would of been no criticism had Pearce started with Ashley Cole. Whatever you say about Cole, he is still one of the worlds best left backs. Baines didn't do enough to warrant a start ahead of Cole in the next match but did what you would expect a fringe squad player to do. A generous rating of 6.

Again I was surprised with Adam Johnson starting ahead of Daniel Sturridge or Theo Walcott. Another who didn't do enough to make the English public take notice and you wonder just which way his career will go. A 5 is all I can warrant giving him.

On the other side Ashley Young had a strange night. Starting wide right, then being moved to the second striker role and at times even found himself coming deep to get the ball from the defence. Deserved his goal even if his final ball wasn't up to his usual standards. A average 6 became a 7 on the basis of his "equalising goal".

Scott Parker led by example throughout and flung himself into vital blocks on numerous occasions. He is a good choice of captain in my eyes. He's like a firefighter always there distinguishing danger when needed. A player who leads by example, keeps it simple and lets others do there job. A good all round 7.

Why oh why Gareth Barry started is a mystery. Almost deadwood for Manchester City and somehow he started ahead of his club teammate James Milner. replaced at half time and no real loss. A generous 5.

Steven Gerrard didn't do to much during his 30 minutes. However I think he will go and start the first two games in the Euro's provided he is fit of course. He did link up with Danny Welbeck which was a plus for the England management. A very generous 6.

Danny Welbeck would of surprised many. With his slim build he finds it easy to hold the ball up and link his midfield into play. And for a tall lad his speed is quite amazing. Only a goal lacked from his play but he did enough to warrant perseverance. More service is needed for him but he did himself proud. A 6 could easily of been a 7.

Daniel Sturridge came on after 33 minutes for the ailing Gerrard. What a player he looks. A danger at every opportunity and you have to wonder why he didn't start. A 7 and England's most dangerous player.

James Milner came on for Gareth Barry at half time. Yes he should of started instead of his club mate but didn't influence the game to much. A 6 is all I could give him.

Stewart Downing replaced Johnson for the last half hour. The real surprise is how Downing is even in any England squad. Especially considering the form of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this year. A 5 and a message to whoever is in charge for the next match not to pick him again.

Phil Jones came on for the unlucky Chris Smalling. Again he wasn't played at centre back but his first time ball set up Ashley Young's goal. A player who maybe should of started. A rating of 6.

Frazier Campbell came on for the last 10 minutes and didn't really do a lot. A goal would of done his cause justice but a rating of 5 is all he had time for.

Theo Walcott came off the bench for the last 2 or 3 minutes. Why didn't he start? again only had time for a rating of 5.