It was his midfield and he was quick to impress that upon Robin van Persie when the Holland striker dared run from deep. Parker gave chase before taking the ball clean off his toes, much to the delight of a Wembley crowd pleased to see their new captain make an early impression.

England started reasonably well, securing a succession of corners that in one case concluded with a decent header from Gary Cahill that flew inches over the bar.

Parker then bravely blocked a shot from Wesley Sneijder having been the first player to sense the danger. But there were times when England were static and devoid of ideas, the loss of Gerrard to injury disrupting Pearce's plans and completing a miserable night for a player who would have expected to receive the captain's armband from Pearce ahead of Parker.

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