England caretaker boss Stuart Pearce praised his players after they came from two goals down to draw level with Holland at Wembley – only for Arjen Robben’s late strike to win the game for the visitors.
Pearce’s side appeared to be slipping towards defeat when Robben and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored just after half-time, but strikes from Gary Cahill and Ashley Young appeared to have salvaged a draw for the Three Lions.
But Robben struck late to seal victory for the 2010 World Cup Finalists, who had nine of the side that played against Spain in Johannesburg representing them in London.
And Pearce, who says he would be willing to assist England if they do not have a permanent manager in place ahead of UEFA Euro 2012, believes his players deserve great credit for their comeback and effort through the week.
“I have really enjoyed these last few days I must say,” said Pearce, straight after the game.
“It has been fantastic, the players have been outstanding, their focus and contribution in training has been very good. I enjoyed the game tonight.
“There was a slight lack of belief but that is something we have to get into the squad going forward.
“Once we got ourselves back in the game we are disappointed we have been beaten.
“But there were a few good showings from the players, we have learnt a lot and that was the exercise for me going into the game, to learn a bit about one or two individuals and their credentials for the summer, and I think we have done that.”
