Sven has confidence in Shaun

Last updated : 10 February 2005 By Ben Collins
The City winger missed two good chances in a nervy opening on his first start for England, which finished goalless.

However, the 23-year-old settled into the game later in the first half and made a couple of teasing runs into the Holland box - one resulting in another poor shot and the other blocked by a saving tackle from Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

That showed what the youngster was capable of and that he had the character to stand up and be counted even after a blow to his morale.

“I am absolutely not worried,” said Eriksson. “I think he is very confident and I do not think he has those kind of problems.

"He did well. He is young, he is a talent and I am happy with what he did.

“It is normal to be nervous when you start for England for the first time. His career has gone very quickly up and up, so I can understand that. But next time he starts, he will be less nervous.”

Shaun alternated between the left and right of a three-pronged attack for England, before being replaced after 61 minutes.