Holland/England: Eriksson pleased with Holland experiment

Sven-Goran Eriksson said the Holland game gave him a chance to try something new.

He said there was never time to experiment last year.

And he said he always planned to play a system with three attackers and three midfielders.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw against Holland: "We played 10 games last year but because we were in the middle of World Cup qualification there was never time to try something different.

"We did not want to go into the World Cup with one system. It is not the right way. It was always in mind to play a system using three attackers and three central midfielders."

The England coach added: "It was a good football game. Holland had more possession but we created more. It was a fair result but with a bit of luck we could have won the game. I was more satisfied than I was in August.

"Vassell was excellent for his first game in the senior team. He did exactly what we asked of him and was not nervous at all.

"Michael Ricketts and Wayne Bridge were both very good. Bridge had a toe problem and had to go off and Ricketts did a difficult job well. He was on his own at times but came out with credit.

"I like to see young players coming in against a very good team. You always have your ideas about the squad but you can always change those ideas. We still have a lot of time before the World Cup."