International friendlies do not carry as much significance as perhaps they used to but there has got to be plenty of interest in Wednesday’s affair at Wembley, not least because two of the leading contenders for Euro 2012 go head to head (Holland 13/2, England 8/1 – Euro 2012 Outright).
England have not exactly set themselves up for a good showing in Poland and Ukraine – and not just because the Three Lions always fail at major tournaments – with the manager resigning ahead of the tournament as his captain was relieved of the armband (and will not be getting it back) while arguably the best player, Wayne Rooney, will be missing for two of three group games.
It does not look an ideal situation for anyone but the identity of the men who will be leading the side, both manager and captain, remains to be seen – and there are just three friendlies to sort things out.
Stuart Pearce has been given the immediate task of filling Fabio Capello’s boots with his current remit to oversee the friendly against Holland, while Harry Redknapp appears to be everyone’s choice to become the next permanent manager.
It will be no easy task for Pearce on Wednesday against the side ranked third in the world although the World Cup finalists are only marginal favourites in the match betting at 13/8, with England on offer at 7/4 and the draw priced up at 11/5.
Recent history suggests there is little to choose between the two sides as the last four matches – all friendlies – have ended all square, with Holland triumphing 2-0 at Wembley in 2002 in the most recent positive result.
England have won five and lost four of the 18 meetings between the two countries with nine ending in draws – and in the middle of a season will either side be busting a gut to get the victory?
As is the nature of friendlies these days, there is also the problem of withdrawals to deal with as Pearce has seen Rooney, Kyle Walker, Darren Bent and Tom Cleverley pull out of his first, and possibly only, squad.
The big-hitting trio of Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben have all had their injury problems so both sides may well field less than full strength line-ups.
England endured a dismal World Cup campaign but Capello successfully managed to guide the side to the Euro finals, something they did not achieve four years ago, relatively comfortably.
The Italian noted England’s faltering abilities at Wembley but the team goes into Wednesday’s encounter on the back of a nine-match unbeaten run, winning the last three matches at home.
Even reigning world and European champions Spain have been beaten in that time, albeit in a backs-to-the-wall kind of fashion, so the hosts have at least proved they can be hard to beat.
Holland cruised to the finals on the back of nine wins in Group E and only surrendered their 100 percent record in the last game of the qualifying campaign in Sweden.
Robin van Persie has been in sensational form this season and is an obvious threat and unsurprising favourite at 9/2 in the First/Last Goalscorer betting, while he is priced at 2/1 to bag anytime.
He has enjoyed huge success against English defences and must be considered, given the inexperience in the home side’s backline, which has to cope without both John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.
Pearce does not have too much experience up front either following Rooney’s withdrawal but Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck (both 6/1 – First Goalscorer) have both impressed this season, while Theo Walcott’s (10/1) fine brace for Arsenal made a mockery of recent criticism.
Steven Gerrard also looks worthy of consideration at 7/1 First/Last Goalscorer and 7/2 Anytime as he is expected to lead the side and thrives on the extra responsibility.
It is difficult seeing it being a free-flowing, attack-minded game, particularly with Pearce not wanting to harm his chances of permanent appointment with a big defeat, so expect a tight contest.
However, Capello’s former assistant might boost his chances of success if he gets the players confident wearing the shirt and looking like they enjoy playing for their country, which does not appear to have been the case for some time.
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France legend Zinedine Zidane once famously described Paul Scholes as “my toughest opponent” in a trophy-laden career that saw him win domestic titles in Italy and Spain, as well as the Champions League and World Cup (11/2 England – World Cup outright).