PERHAPS Kieron Dyer was helped by Sven-Goran Eriksson's decision to give his starting XI only 45 minutes on the pitch.

After all, the Newcastle United midfielder's best performance in an England shirt before yesterday came when he lasted only until half-time against Luxembourg in 1999.

Since then, Dyer's England career had resembled a firework on a wet Bonfire Night: plenty of potential, but no sparkle.

So as England reflect on their humbling defeat today, maybe they will take heart from the hope that the game represented a watershed in Dyer's international fortunes.

After a quiet start, he was soon involved, coming inside off his left flank to get involved in play.

His lack of a talented left foot obviously reduces his effectiveness in England's problem position.

But he showed signs last night that he might be a viable option to fill the role in Eriksson's 4-4-2 formation.

It was from his backheel that Michael Owen saw his cross fired into the net by Paul Scholes for England's disallowed goal.

Thereafter, he was always willing to take possession - something one or two of his teammates were guilty of failing to do.

Dyer also released Owen with a flick-on that the Liverpool striker lashed past a post.

Jermaine Jenas, part of last night's supporting cast, was also hindered by being deployed on the left.

But his was an encouraging debut, with the honour of setting up England's only goal, with a fine cross, to boot.

Along with Wayne Rooney, Jenas's best international days are in front of him.

And after Dyer's contribution, could this be the dawn of a new England era for him?