Southgate: We looked so solid

England had a great performance against Holland, getting their first win over the dutch since 1996. Photo: @England via Twitter

England had a great performance against Holland, getting their first win over the dutch since 1996. Photo: @England via Twitter

Published Mar 24, 2018

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England manager Gareth Southgate praised his team’s performance and gave special mention to defenders Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire who was an early substitute for the injured Joe Gomez.

Southgate said: ‘I think that’s a good test for us. Came away from home, controlled the game and controlled the ball really well. Maybe a little bit more quality in the final third was required but defensively we looked solid.

‘I thought the back three and goalkeeper were excellent. The way they played from the back and I thought they played with intelligence and composure.

‘I’m delighted for Jesse (Lingard) because he’s a player I’ve worked with for the last few years in the Under 21s but this season he’s starting to put away the chances. The defenders and goalkeeper are all capable of moving the ball and getting into higher areas on the pitch. There are more things to work on on Tuesday but it was a good test.

Lingard, clearly delighted to score the winner, said: ‘It’s always an honour (to play for England) but to score as well is a massive bonus.’

Describing his decisive second-half strike from 20 yards after the ball came off a Holland defender, the Manchester United forward said: ‘It took a bit of time, I had to concentrate on it and I kind of gave the keeper the eyes.

‘When you work hard you get the rewards so now on keep working hard and see where it gets me.’

Captain Jordan Henderson added: ‘The first hour I thought we dominated on the ball and possibly could have created a bit more. Second half they changed their formation to stop us a bit but when the ball dropped to Jesse I knew he’d score. We looked solid with three at the back and it give licence when we get the ball to Jesse and Ox (Oxlade-Chamberlain) to cause problems.’

Daily Mail

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