MICHAEL Ricketts expressed his pride and delight today after deciding to pin his colours to the England mast.

The Wanderers' goal star effectively turned his back on Jamaica and the United States when he made his international debut in the number nine shirt in last night's 1-1 draw in Holland.

Substituted at half time after a tentative first 45 minutes, the Reebok top scorer failed to impress the critics and is unlikely to figure in Sven Goran Eriksson's World Cup plans.

But he was satisfied with his own performance and believes he has made the right choice in opting for the Three Lions.

He said: "I'm definitely glad I've made the choice I did.

"If I can't learn from these players then I've got no right to be in the game.

"I was nervous but I thought I grew into it. The ball comes to you a lot quicker because they are world-class players but I thought I did all right.

"It was a proud moment for me. He (Eriksson) said well done afterwards. It was my first game and it was a case of adapting.

"I just want to go back to my club and keep scoring goals and keep them up."

Eriksson enthused over the performance of Ricketts' fellow debutant, Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell, who scored the spectacular second half equaliser but also praised Ricketts and the third newcomer, Southampton's Wayne Bridge, who was also substituted at half time after picking up a foot injry.

"Ricketts did his job well too," the national coach said. "It was the most difficult role because he was on his own at times but came out with credit. I had seen how he plays up front by himself for Bolton and decided to give him and Kevin Phillips 45 minutes each."

Despite playing for England in a full international, Ricketts could still play for Jamaica or the United States because the game was not a competitive fixture. But with Eriksson recognising his talents and suggesting the debutants are all "players for the future", he is unlikely to do a U-turn.