Richards given first England start

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LONDON, England -- Teenage defender Micah Richards will make his England debut and striker Andy Johnson will get a rare start in their friendly against the Netherlands, coach Steve McClaren has revealed.

Richards, 18, goes straight into the starting side at right-back for Wednesday's game after Gary Neville was ruled out by injury, while Johnson makes only his second England start.

"I've known Micah for a couple of years now -- I watched him when he was in the reserves and the youth teams at Manchester City," said McClaren.

"He impressed me then as a player for the future and he's really come to the fore. It's not how old you are, it's how good you are that counts and he's already proved that in the Premier League.

"He's a new breed of player -- strong, quick, athletic, mobile and with a great leap. In both boxes, he'll be effective. He's got a chance and I hope he takes it."

The City player will join Rio Ferdinand, captain John Terry and Ashley Cole in England's defence.

McClaren sprang no surprises in midfield, where Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Joe Cole will all line up.

But there is an opportunity up front for Johnson, who was injured for last month's Euro 2008 qualifiers, when England lost 2-0 in Croatia and drew 0-0 with Macedonia.

McClaren has seen an improvement since the striker's close-season move from second division Crystal Palace to Everton and hopes he can provide the missing bite alongside Wayne Rooney on Wednesday.

"I want to play with width, pace and people who can beat people," McClaren said. "It was something I thought we lacked five or six weeks ago in the last squad. We didn't have the likes of Joe Cole and Andy Johnson ... and we've got that this time.

"Since his move to Everton I think he's grown in confidence. It was always difficult when he was playing in the second division and joining up with England.

"But he had a flying start at Everton and has looked a different player -- playing with confidence, exuberance and enthusiasm. I'm looking forward to seeing him play."

England fans are looking forward to a decent display from their team, whose Group E campaign is in danger of going off the rails.

They are level on seven points with Croatia and Israel, who meet on Wednesday and have a game in hand on England, and also Macedonia.

Asked about the need to give the travelling supporters something to cheer about at the Amsterdam Arena, Terry said: "We owe them that from the last performance.

"We saw their frustration after the game and I'm sure everyone else was aware of that as well ... it's important we get back to winning ways."

England team:

Paul Robinson; Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Ashley Cole; Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole; Wayne Rooney, Andy Johnson.

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