Source: Daily_Mail
Holland U21s 0 England U21s 0: New batch of young Lions keep Dutch quiet
Stuart Pearce's charges had a useful workout in Groningen as their first match of the new campaign ended in a creditable draw against a strong Dutch side.
The England Under 21 manager was able to call on a strong side with players of the calibre of Lee Cattermole, Michael Mancienne and Micah Richards on show.
Jack Wilshere
Young Gun: Jack Wilshere makes his England under-21 debut in the friendly against Holland
Wigan midfielder Cattermole, still being chased by Sunderland, set up a useful first-half chance for Everton's James Vaughan but the striker opted for an extra touch and the opportunity went begging.
At the other end Nacer Barazite, Holland's Arsenal forward, unleashed a dipping drive from 20 yards which had Watford's goalkeeper Scott Loach diving but the ball cleared the bar.
Daniel Sturridge
Orange squash: Chelseas's Daniel Sturridge holds off a Dutch opponent
Just before half-time Richards powered forward and played a one-two with West Ham winger Junior Stanislas to set up a shot on the edge of the box but keeper Tim Krul, who excelled for Newcastle on Saturday, grabbed the ball at the second attempt.
Pearce made several changes in the second half with Arsenal's promising youngster Jack Wilshere, already on the radar of Fabio Capello for the World Cup finals, given just over half-an-hour.
MATCH FACTS
HOLLAND U21: Krul, Janmaat, Van Eijden (Bruma 46min), Pieters (Blind 46), Kuiper, Donald (John 63), Fer (Van Der Heijden 46), Barazite, De Jong, Biseswar, Emnes (Anita 63). Booked: Janmaat.
ENGLAND U21: 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 (Germany).
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1205863/Holland-U21s-0-England-U21s-0-Stuart-Pearces-new-batch-young-Lions-Dutch-bay-Groningen.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0NzjlrTRv
