McClaren disappointed not to beat Holland
A frustrated Steve McClaren said his England side deserved to beat
the Netherlands after they conceded a late equaliser in a 1-1
friendly draw on Wednesday.
McClarens men were heading for a much-needed victory after taking a
37th-minute lead through striker Wayne Rooney, only for midfielder
Rafael van der Vaart to level in the 86th minute.
"Were all disappointed that we didnt win the game. We deserved to,
there were half a dozen good chances apart from the goal," McClaren
told a news conference.
"But I asked for a performance, everyone wanted to see that, and
thats what we got... on another day wed have scored more and won
the game comfortably."
A decent showing was considered a minimum requirement for England
after a 2-0 defeat in Croatia and a 0-0 draw with Macedonia has
left them third in Euro 2008 qualifying Group E.
Pleased with the way his men handled the novel 4-3-3 formation
designed to echo the Dutch line-up, McClaren said: "The system
nullified them.
"It worked, the players did well to have the organisation and
discipline to carry it out."
The one blot on Englands copy book was to concede to a set-piece.
Englands defence failed to intercept Arjen Robbens long throw-in
and substitute Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was able to head the ball
back for Van der Vaart to rifle home.
"I wouldnt have thought that we would have conceded from a long
throw and thats the one disappointment from the night," McClaren
said.
"But its not something thats cost us points and its something we
will look at. Obviously, we dont like conceding goals and we have
to find out reasons."
Dutch coach Marco van Basten, who was missing some key players at
the Amsterdam Arena and whose full-strength side are top of
qualifying Group G, had no real complaints.
"Im satisfied with a fair result against an England side at full
strength, while we missed players like Robin van Persie, Edwin van
der Sar and Wesley Sneijder, who all three bring something extra,"
he said.
His team lacked their usual attacking threat without striker Van
Persie, with Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt struggling against his
Premier League rivals at the back for England.
"Kuyt played an unfortunate match against a very experienced pair
like (Rio) Ferdinand and (John) Terry," Van Basten said. "You have
to realise you will not get past them easily."
