Driver makes impressive England debut

Published on Tuesday 23 June 2009 10:16

HEARTS winger Andy Driver impressed on his international debut for England in the 1-1 draw with Germany, playing for 71 minutes at the European Under-21 Championships in Sweden.

England coach Stuart Pearce believes resting almost his entire team in Halmstad last night will make the difference in the semi-finals later this week.

Pearce's youngsters finished top of Group B after Jack Rodwell cancelled out Gonzalo Castro's early opener at Orjans Vall, with Spain heading home as a result.

Driver was impressive on the wing and almost set up England for an opening goal but his cross for Danny Rose in 36 minutes was handled by the Tottenham midfielder.

"Two years ago Holland and Serbia both got to the final after resting players in their third group game," Pearce said. "If we got to the final two years ago we would have been on our knees. This time we go into a semi-final hopefully with 23 fit players.

"If those players from 12 to 23 don't support their team-mates then you'll go home early.

"They are all supporting each other, and that is what you have to do. We can only win by playing 1 to 23.

"They showed they have momentum and a togetherness, I'm under real pressure for the semi-finals now."