In the first half, in particular, he certainly led by example, executing superb tackles and making courageous blocks.

But three months after seeing Capello complete an unbeaten 2011 with back-to-back victories over Spain and Sweden, England appear to have taken a significant step back, one that only increases the pressure on the Football Association to step up that search for a permanent replacement before the European Championship and that opening encounter with France.

The same France who won in Germany on Wednesday night. Here at Wembley, England met a Holland team who treated the opening 45 minutes like a training exercise.

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