Goals either side of half time from Ben Sheaf and Kazaiah Sterling secured his Under-18s a 2-0 victory in Capelle on Thursday, but it was the opening period that left the head coach particularly pleased.
“They were excellent first half – everything that we did in training they lived and delivered,” said Dewsnip.
Holland 0-2 England
Under-18s International
International
Sportspark ‘t Slot, Capelle
Thursday 3 September 2015
“Out of possession we had talked about pressing high, and their understanding of that was really impressive and that gave us a lot of the ball.
“They showed a real composure to keep possession and play forward when they could. I think we’ve got some excellent individual players and if we can get the ball to them enough in the right areas then they can be really exciting for the team.
“I thought we were worthy of a goal or two more than we were at the break.”
After England’s dominance in the opening 45 minutes they were made to work a bit harder after the restart.
But the desire of his backline to keep a clean sheet left the former Everton academy manager just as pleased as he was with his attackers’ first half performance.
“I thought all the back five showed a real spirit and determination to succeed and get that clean sheet,” said Dewsnip.
“Fair play to Holland, they maybe had a bit of a telling off at half time, and they came at us. We got the second goal early and then we had to defend. But the lads showed that they can do that bit as well.
“That was really interesting to see as we want to see them with and without the ball. They showed it all today.”
Dewsnip’s charges lock horns with the Dutch again on Saturday in the second part of their double-header.
