Dutch at the double to give England reality check
ENGLAND fell to just their second defeat since the World Cup as Roy Hodgson’s men lost to a Netherlands side not even good enough to reach Euro 2016.
There was little of the intensity, drive and quality seen in Saturday’s remarkable comeback win in Germany as the Dutch themselves came from behind to win at Wembley.
It was a reality check after back-toback wins over Euro 2016 favourites France and Germany, although Jamie Vardy again impressed and followed up his wonderful flick at the Olympiastadion by finishing a lovely team move.
The in-form Leicester striker looks a shoo-in for the squad named on May 12, when Hodgson faces some difficult decisions.
England boast impressive strength in depth up front but look susceptible at the back, with John Stones’ recent poor form compounded by a slip that needed Fraser Forster to come to the rescue.
However, Danny Rose was adjudged to have handled as the move continued and Vincent Janssen scored from the spot, before controversially overpowering substitute Phil Jagielka and crossing for Luciano Narsingh to net the winner.
Hodgson’s anger at the goal was as clear as the players’, but the England manager will no doubt focus on positives such as Vardy’s display and a solid debut from Leicester team-mate Danny Drinkwater.
The midfielder’s inclusion was one of eight changes and that appeared to impact the defensive coherence, with Rose fortunate not to concede an early penalty on his second England appearance.
Focus soon turned to the big screens at Wembley where the late Johan Cruyff’s image was met by a standing ovation in the 14th minute, having earlier been remembered in a minute’s silence that also paid tribute to those caught in the Brussels terror attacks.
The fitting tribute took attention away from the football, with England struggling to find their rhythm and Netherlands looking most likely to strike the first blow.
England were increasing the tempo and, shortly after Ross Barkley went close from the edge of the box, came a great opener.
Adam Lallana collected the ball after Sturridge’s dummy and turned brilliantly. The Liverpool attacking midfielder then showed great vision to play through the overlapping Kyle Walker, whose squared ball was powered home by Vardy.
It was a lovely team goal and one that gave England a half-time lead they tried to build on after the break.
But an inability to net was soon punished, though.
Stones’ slip would have resulted in a goal had Forster not impressively denied Janssen, only for a penalty to be awarded seconds later after Rose handled Narsingh’s cross.
Janssen stepped up for the penalty and this time would not be denied, sending the Southampton goalkeeper the wrong way.
Theo Walcott was denied by Daley Blind after being found by a fine pass from Stones, with the Arsenal forward darting down the right and firing over soon after.
Danny Blind’s side capitalised in the 77th minute, albeit in controversial fashion.
Janssen barged over substitute Jagielka and the officials waved played on, with the striker cutting back for Narsingh to slot home.
The anger was palpable as the players harangued the referee following what proved the decisive blow, with Harry Kane coming closest to levelling.
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Remi Garde’s dismal spell as manager of Aston Villa came to an inevitable conclusion last night with the Frenchman departing less than five months after taking over.
The former Lyon boss managed just two victories in 20 Premier League matches after failing to turn around the club’s disastrous start to the season.
Relegation looks a virtual certainty as Villa stand 12 points from safety with seven matches remaining.
His exit was confirmed in a short statement from the club that came at the same time England were playing Holland at Wembley.
“Manager Remi Garde has today left Aston Villa Football Club by mutual consent,” said the club.
“The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Remi for all his efforts during a difficult period and wish him well in the future.
“Eric Black will take over as acting manager until the club appoints a new manager.
“There will be no further comment from the club at this stage.”
Former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson quickly emerged as an early favourite with bookmakers to be the next Villa manager, as well as David Moyes, without a club since losing his job at Real Sociedad in November.