Though his eye-catching forays helped him win the official man of the match award they created problems at the back as no one filled in for him.Batty might also have been dismissed. Hoddle paid tribute to his restraint but he went through one Saudi after 18 minutes with a tackle which could bring a red card in the finals. A later foul by Mohammed Al-Jahni on Ian Wright would definitely have done so.England had started brightly, Anderton, Beckham and Scholes moving the ball slickly as England created a number of opportunities. The best fell to Sheringham, left unmarked after Scholes and Shearer had opened the Saudis up. His lack of form showed as he allowed Mohammed Al-Daye to make a sharp save.The goalkeeper also denied Gareth Southgate while Andy Hinchcliffe and Shearer put good chances over.

Batty and Ince are the likely ones though Batty went forward too much on Saturday. Judging by Saturday England, if playing with one or more attacking wing-backs, will need two holding players to protect their square defence. Players have to take more responsibility.”In midfield David Beckham was played inside with Darren Anderton resurrected on the right flank. He showed some nice touches and Beckham passed well at times but neither committed defenders in the way Paul Scholes did around the box and Paul Gascoigne, despite his slowing pace, attempted to do later on.Hoddle said he wanted to give Anderton 90 minutes in the wider position but that he and Beckham might swap roles.

He complimented Beckham’s passing, while adding he “got a bit sloppy” and indicated it was a case of playing him wide for his crossing ability – “he’s the best in the country” – or inside where he has a greater range of passing options.Gascoigne’s introduction was being demanded by a restive crowd after just seven minutes of the second period but, when he came on on the hour, he barely justified the call. Since the problem will not be resolved until English defenders have had several years of experience against such forwards, the interim solution is midfield cover of the sort Arsenal have established this season. However, on Saturday the English midfield lacked discipline as well as inspiration.”Sometimes we want to put an offensive head on in Wembley friendlies rather than the hard work of defending as a unit,” said Hoddle “Too many times defenders were left one-on-one. However, it remains obvious that, in the absence of Ray Parlour and Matt Le Tissier (neither of whom could be guaranteed to open international defences) he is England’s best chance of making a real impact in France.His partners will have to be carefully chosen. He did attack players but gave the ball away too often and is still far from full fitness.