It was a new look England tonight.
England played in their new white and red kit for the first time.
Credit: here
And for 45 minutes at the very least what we saw was good. England more than matched the Netherlands without producing any efforts on goal before half time, but there was enough to suggest a solid performance, despite the likes of Wayne Rooney missing out.
I don't think anyone can begrudge the quality of Arjen Robben's run and goal for the first; it would be harsh to do so, but, 57 minutes in, the signs of 'Same Old England' were visible for all to see.
Robben scored two goals, including the winner, at Wembley tonight.
Credit; here
It wasn't just that they went behind but the manner of it, from James Milner scuffing a chance on the edge of the Netherland's box, to a mix up between Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling. Mistakes. The same old mistakes.
And barely a minute later, when Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, with six goals in his last four games, headed home, the student vicinity surrounding myself resembled that of a graveyard. Silence apart from the odd person's mutterings.
England has lost its passion, purely because the national team isn't good enough.
Regardless, it was refreshing to see Stuart Pearce giving some of the youngsters, in form youngsters too, a chance at Wembley.
From Chris Smalling to Danny Welbeck, Pearce did what no England manager has yet succeeded, breeding the youngsters through from Under 21 level to the first team, against a very good Holland side.
Welbeck and Smalling played under Pearce for England's U21s, and both started tonight.
Credit; here
Perhaps England has grown too accustomed to the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Rio Ferdinanc dominating the spine of the national side. It hasn't worked, and I'm can only hope that Pearce will continue to try and develop the players for two or three years time.
If they play together often enough, they will gel. It can work.
One thing which might not work is Scott Parker as captain. I know he's many people's choice for the side, given his performances for Spurs this season and the credit is understandable, but tonight, and before tonight, I'm not sure he is a leader.
If I was England manager I'd be looking towards bringing Michael Dawson into the international set up, perhaps alongside Ledley King. It's certainly done the job at Tottenham when called upon, so why would it not work for England?
Michael Dawson has yet to be given a true chance by England. Who knows if that will come.
Credit; here
I'm not here tonight to rant about who I'd have in the England side, but to see people's views on the England we saw tonight. For me, it was promising enough to suggest i'd like to see more of this side, maybe with a bit more belief in their play.
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