13 November 2006
VIDEO: Micah Richards exclusive

Micah Richards talks to TheFA.com just moments after becoming England's youngest ever defender.

International debuts as a right-back don't come more daunting than facing Arjen Robben in the Amsterdam Arena, but Micah Richards took it all in his athletic stride.

England's newest star became his country's youngest defender when he pulled on the famous white shirt on Wednesday night, beating Rio Ferdinand who was just 19 when he made his debut.

But making history sat comfortably on the 18 year old's broad shoulders and after some assured touches he made a seemless transition to the big league.

"It was unbelievable really," Richards told TheFA.com just moments after the final whistle.

"I was quite nervous at first but once I crossed the white line and the first ball was up in the air, I just took it in my stride really."

The last few moments a player has in the dressing room can be make or break for a player making his debut. However, Richards was becalmed by Steve McClaren who encouraged him to play his normal game.

The Manchester City star did just that, showing great tenacity in defence and supporting the attack with bucaneering runs down the right flank.

"They just said do what you do at your club, do what you do best. Don't try and change your game because you have stepped up a level. Just do the things you are good at and everything else will follow. I tried that and thought I did alright," he added.

Players making their debut alongside stars such as established stars as Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard could be forgiven for going into their shell. Not Richards, who said being on the same field as the cream of the nation helped him adapt to the biggest stage of all.

"You are playing with better players, more experienced players. It is a bigger standard but it's being able to deal with it. If you play with better players you can deal with it more," he added.

Rather than just concentrating on defending, the powerful full-back attacked at will when England had possesson. However, mindful of Robben's electric pace, he was mindful of becoming over adventurous.

"I always try to get forward whenever possible. In international football you have got to make it at the right time, because if you get caught out of position at this level you get punished. I tried going at the right time.

"As the game went on, it was hard really because whenever you get it [the ball] you try and go on, but it's hard because when Robben gets it there is a lot of tracking back to do."

One maurauding run played a part in England's goal, Richards' burst gave Joe Cole the space he needed to swing in the perfect cross for Wayne Rooney who netted his first England goal for over a year.

"I was just glad to get up there and support him. It was a great ball from Joe Cole and a good finish from Wayne Rooney.

"I think we deserved to win it."