EX-TOWN striker Jon Stead gained his first England U21 International cap last night - and played a crucial part in setting up the 3-2 friendly win against Holland.

After goals from debutants Dean Ashton and David Bentley of Crewe and Arsenal, England were twice pegged back by Jack Tuyp and Klass-Jan Huntelaar in front of a record crowd of 25,280 for Hull's KC Stadium.

But Stead, already a big hit with Premiership Blackburn, who replaced Ashton on 68 minutes, teed up Darren Bent with an accurate cross for the Ipswich player to slot home.

Hull City and former U21 boss Peter Taylor said: "Steady turned his man superbly to set up the winner.

"Graeme Souness has made a superb signing in getting Stead who is an outstanding prospect. He is a big, strong lad already showning great potential."