Gerrard: The hard work starts now

Inspired by a vintage display from former captain David Beckham, Steve McClaren's side came within seconds of recording a memorable win over the five-time world champions last night.

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With the new £800million national stadium packed close to 90,000 capacity, captain John Terry headed England into the lead during the second half.

However, a lapse of concentration in stoppage time allowed substitute Diego to nod in an equaliser and take the shine of the evening for the Three Lions faithful.

Gerrard - who was named man of the match for his industrious midfield efforts - accepts it was somewhat "cruel" to see victory snatched away at the death.

However, the Liverpool captain, 27, maintains the focus was always going to be on securing the right result at the compact Le Coq Arena on Wednesday night rather than putting one over on the star-studded South Americans.

"It was fantastic to be part of the first England game at Wembley, but also so cruel not to see the game out," Gerrard said.

"We can take a lot of positives out of the performance and now go into Wednesday night's game full of confidence and hopefully we'll get three points, which is the most important part of the week."

Gerrard insisted: "This whole get-together has been a preparation for Wednesday.

"Before the Brazil game we wanted a positive performance and a confidence booster to take into Wednesday.

"We got that - but now we have to go and perform and build on this to get the three points on Wednesday."

The Liverpool skipper was deployed alongside Chelsea's Frank Lampard once again at the heart of the England midfield.

It is a pairing which manager McClaren is likely to continue with in Tallin next week, given the enforced absence of injured Owen Hargreaves, bound for Manchester United.

Gerrard was certainly kept busy last night - and was noticeably more on defensive duties rather than driving forwards which has often proved such a vital source of attacking threat for both club and country.

The Liverpool midfielder, though, was more than happy to fill which ever role is asked of him, and produced a number of telling tackles, particularly when tracking back in the first half to help nullify the free-flowing visitors' offence.

"Brazil have got some of best players in the world, so you have to get close to them, to try and stop them playing. That was my job," said Gerrard.

"There was always a threat with the likes of Kaka, Robinho and Ronaldinho, so it was a difficult job, but I am quite pleased with how it went."

England captain Terry was withdrawn as a precaution because of a tight hamstring shortly after putting his men ahead. The Chelsea defender is expected to be available for Wednesday night.

McClaren, however, is likely to make a change in his attack, with Peter Crouch set to partner Michael Owen following a disappointing display from United striker Alan Smith.

Wayne Rooney was left out of the squad as he will not be available against Estonia through suspension.