Holland v England preview

"He is an exciting player, the new breed of player. He is big, strong, athletic, very quick and has got a fantastic leap on him," boss Steve McClaren said.

"He has come into this environment and is not fazed and is looking forward to the game."

Richards comes in with eight of the original party withdrawing before the match in Amsterdam. Steven Gerrard will play on the right after the withdrawal of Aaron Lennon while Andrew Johnson will partner Wayne Rooney up front in an otherwise first choice starting eleven.

Dutch boss Marco van Basten sympathised with his English counterpart, but said that he feels as much pressure as Steve McClaren from the fans and the media, highlighting the fact that Holland are yet to win the World Cup.

"We have a pretty similar situation here in Holland," Van Basten said. "At least England have won a World Cup."

"All (McClaren) can do is work with the team and try to get them to perform well."

The big surprise was the inclusion of Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf, who had been dropped by Van Basten in the build-up to the World Cup.

"Clarence has earned the chance to play again and he will be in midfield for us on Wednesday."

Holland could be without Dirk Kuyt after the Liverpool striker suffered a flare-up of an ankle problem in training on Tuesday, while centre back Joris Mathijsen looks set to miss out after breaking his nose. Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar does not start while Arsenal forward Robin van Persie is absent to allow him to be present at the birth of his first child.