Robben Ruins England Fightback

Arjen Robben’s injury time strike denied England a memorable comeback last night, as the three lions finally fell to a 3-2 defeat to Holland under caretaker manager Stuart Pearce at Wembley.  

In their first game since the resignation of Fabio Capello, England went toe to toe with a more experienced Dutch side throughout the first half. But two goals in as many minutes from Robben and Klaas Jan Huntelaar indicated a lack of leadership in the England defence. However the home side fought back, and looked to have rescued a remarkable draw with goals from Gary Cahill and Ashley Young in the last 6 minutes. Only for Robben to silence the Wembley crowd with a world class finish.   

The first half saw England nearly make the perfect start, when Cahill’s header crept over the bar on 7 minutes. After that both sides struggled to break down the other, with two holding midfield players on either side cancelling each other out.

But it was Holland who started to push for the opening goal, as the ever-present threat of Robben produced an early save out of Hart. While Robin Van-Persie blazed his shot over the bar after some quick one touch football presented the first real opening.        

Robben's late strike was at England's expence

The hosts were forced to withdraw Steven Gerrard with just half an hour played, the Liverpool skipper troubled by a hamstring problem, as he struggled to get in the game. However Gerrard’s absence presented a second cap for in form Daniel Sturridge and the Chelsea striker made an immediate impact, as his early second half shot was parried away by Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg to keep the score level.

But an inexperienced England were handed a killer blow on 57 minutes, as Robben showed his pace and power, to capitalise on the space presented on the break before unleashing a unstoppable shot past the stranded Hart.

The Dutch then looked quickly out of sight, as just seconds later Dirk Kuyt was left too much space on the right and his inviting ball was met by the head of Huntelaar to put the visitors in full control. Both Huntelaar and Chris Smalling had to be replaced, after a clash of heads when going for the ball, with the England centre back stretchered off for his dedicated bravery.  

Despite to two goal deficit England still had chances Stewart Downing’s volley flashed wide while Sturridge wasted the chance of the game, as he only found the gloves of Stekelenburg from 8 yards out.

The hosts finally found the net 6 minutes from time when a Leighton Baines pass opened the Dutch defence to find an out of position Cahill who added his second ever goal in an England shirt. A draw then looked to be  rescued, after Phil Jones picked out Ashley Young whose calm finish looked to be the game’s last action. But there was still time for Robben to pull one more trick out of his locker, as his left foot shot deflected off Cahill to earn his side a 3-2 victory.

Match Ratings

Hart   7- Made big save to deny Robben at 0-0 couldn’t do much about any goal  

Richards   7- Looked good when went forward struggled with Robben in first half

Smalling   7- Solid in first half showed bravery before being stretchered off

Cahill   7.5- Solid in first half took goal well drawn away by Huntelaar run for first goal

Baines   7- Allowed Robben too much space for winner pass set up Cahill goal

Barry   7- Kept shape protected back four

Parker (C)   7.5- Big night as captain brilliant with blocks and tackles in first half a few errors in second half though

Gerrard   5.5- Taken off early hamstring problem struggled to get in the game

Johnson   7- Pace looked one of England’s only weapons in first half

Young   7- Quiet night but alert for goal took it well  

Welbeck   6.5- struggled to get involved isolated at times

Subs

Sturridge   7.5- Biggest threat when came on showed pace and shooting ability missed good chance in second half

Milner   6.5- Came on at half time struggle with Dutch attacking threat  

Downing    6- Left foot sometime looked a danger

Jones   6- Assist for second goal after replacing Smalling

Campbell   5.5- Gained valuable experience on first cap