England manager Fabio Capello insisted he was calm at half-time despite the mistakes which handed Netherlands a 2-0 lead in the friendly between the two sides at the Amsterdam Arena.

England trailed at the break to goals from Dirk Kuyt and Rafael van der Vaart, both the result of defensive errors. However, two second-half finishes from Jermain Defoe, introduced at the interval, earned England a 2-2 draw.

Asked what he said at the break, Capello said: "Nothing. I just spoke quietly. It's pre-season. It's possible to make mistakes, but there are still 45 minutes to play."

The Italian admitted, though, his side had gifted the Dutch the advantage when first Rio Ferdinand and then Gareth Barry saw their weak backpasses intercepted. "(They were) two presents," he continued. "But I prefer to give gifts in non-competitive games."

I prefer to give gifts in non-competitive games.
England manager Fabio Capello.

England looked impressive after the break, though, and Defoe ran on to a ball over the top to poke home his first and then converted James Milner's cross for the equaliser. Yet modestly, the Tottenham striker played down his contribution.

He said: "I said to the lads I would stand on the shoulder (of the defenders) and I got in behind them. I tried to stay onside and was glad to see it (the first) go in.

"(The second) was just a case of gambling. James Milner put a great ball into the box and I just gambled."