England beat the Netherlands for the first time in 22 years
Gareth Southgate was the last Englishman to beat Holland in 1996 and he came back to haunt the Flying Dutchmen on Ronald Koeman's first game in charge.
The England manager announced a questionable defence before the game naming, what appeared to be, four full-backs in his starting XI. Gomez, Rose, Trippier and Walker were scattered across an English back-five.
Injury stoppages prevented the game from flowing early on and the Three Lions were rumbled when Joe Gomez limped down the tunnel for an early ice bath after just 9 minutes.
With neither side incisive in their attacks, a glancing header from Jordan Henderson and a low Memphis Depay shot made up the brief highlight reel at half-time. The teams went in goalless at the break after staging a rather shoddy advert for international football.
- England get the job done -
Southgate’s men showed more desire in the second half and had a dubious penalty appeal waved away after Marcus Rashford was brought down whilst rounding goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet.
Realising the game needed a flash of brilliance, Jesse Lingard took it upon himself to supply it. When a rebounded cross fell kindly to the United forward in the dee, he took the ball in his stride and swept it beyond Zoet. A grin lit up the youngster;s face as he celebrated his first international goal and the Three Lions roared for the first time.
With 30 minutes remaining, the ‘Oranje’ blitzed up the pitch in search of an immediate equaliser. Unfortunately for them, it wasn’t to be. Brave defending from Southgate's side meant that neither Depay, Promes or Dost could get a clean shot at goal.
It was by no means a game that will go down in history, but England got the job done and extended their unbeaten streak to seven games as they continue to build up momentum heading into the World Cup in Russia.
No doubt the England fans will fancy a boozy dip in the canal to celebrate their landmark win.