England

3-3

Italy

Bentley 30, Routledge 52, Derbyshire 58

Pazzini 1, 53, 68

Under-21 International Friendly
12.30pm, Saturday 24 March 2007
Wembley Stadium
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24 March 2007
VIDEO: Nigel Reo-Coker at Wembley
Nigel Reo-Coker couldn't put into words his experience leading the U21s out at the first game at Wembley, .

Captain Nigel Reo-Coker was full of pride after leading England's Under-21s out in the first ever game at the new Wembley.

The Three Lions met Italy in the second 'ramp-up' event at the new Stadium on Saturday in front of 55,000 fans and, despite going a goal behind after just 29 seconds, they fought back to play their part in an exciting 3-3 draw.

"I can't really put it into words. I feel so proud and privileged to be given the opportunity to lead England out at the first game here at the new Wembley," beamed the West Ham United midfielder.

"It was a priceless moment, a moment I will cherish."

Reo-Coker was impressed with the new Stadium and after the initial excitement of a training session earlier in the week, he says the team were able to enjoy the historic occasion.

"We trained here before to prepare for this game, so we had the excitement of it on Thursday," he said.

"It's different when you come here on a match day, the atmosphere the fans generate.

"You just have to be here and be a part of it to have a feeling of the occasion.

"It was a great game of football and we used it for preparation for the Championship. Two great nations with a great football history.

He added: "We can learn from the mistakes we made today and look to put things right in the summer.

"We will take a lot from the game. Going behind so early in the game and to come back in the way we did and take the lead, it's all a learning process for us."