Football FanCast columnist Matt Kelly felt that the performance of Holland and Italy last night was an example to us all and highlights the massive job that Fabio Capello has in rebuilding the national football team.

Italy against Holland wasn't just the return of total football on the international stage, but it was a lesson in football for everyone English.

Tonight's match (9^th June) was the perfect example of why we have absolutely no right to be playing in this summer European Championships. The game represented everything that is both wrong with the England's international football team, but at the same time everything that right with the English domestic game. Immediately the argument is raised that the reason for this is the number of international footballers that grace our pitches every weekend, however, out of the three players representing the Premiership last night, only one of them plays in an attacking role, and only one of them plays for a ‘big four' side.

Before Holland had taken the lead, both teams were fairly well matched. However what were evident was the qualities we so proudly associate with our domestic game, but which are so strongly lost on our international team that caught the eye.

The game was played with a fast tempo, both teams attacked and the game flowed from end to end with excitement that was evident for the full 90 minutes. What else was evident was the lack of qualities so often related to the football played outside England. Although both teams were tactically adept, there was not the slow build up play, and players were not given time to dwell in possession.

Holland's second goal was similar to that of Tevez' chance in the Champions League final, and so similar to the goals scored by teams such as Arsenal and Manchester United each Saturday in the Premiership an a goal all of the England footballers are familiar in conducting, for their clubs.

However the most striking aspect of the whole game was the performance of a number of individual players. For such an exciting and enthralling encounter to take place, a number of players from both teams must be on top form. And they were. Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Andrea Pirlo, Hernan Gattuso. All of them turned up and put the type of performance that makes them so successful at club level.

This is one factor that is always a talking point following another disappointing performance from England. Players such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, who are so pleasing at club level, but cannot, make the same influence for their country. Both Holland and Italy's highest rated players ensured that both teams appeared calm and confident in their play. Neither team ran out of attacking options and were able to play in a number of different styles.

Whilst watching England there is always the feeling that the players, let alone the spectators do not really know what they are going to do with the ball - whereas last night there was the obvious sense of excitement and commitment of all players when playing for their country. (Note the Italian players singing the national anthem last night.)

Even though England are not in Austria and Switzerland this summer, after tonight I am no longer bothered. There was more than enough excitement on display to keep me entertained without having to watch England, and if they were here I would be extremely worried about yet again becoming the joke of another international competition.

Grp D Greece vs. Sweden. 19:45