Steven Gerrard: We’re good but please don’t get carried away just yet

Simon Johnson
8 Sep 2010

Steven Gerrard today told the country to be realistic about England's impressive victory in Switzerland which left Fabio Capello's men on top of Group G with six points out of six.

England cruised to an impressive 3-1 win over the highly-rated Swiss, who were the only team to beat Spain at the World Cup.

Goals from Wayne Rooney, his first in an international for 12 months, Adam Johnson and Darren Bent ensured the impressive start in qualification for Euro 2012 continued after Friday's 4-0 win over Bulgaria.

Gerrard admits the criticism the team received following their dismal exit at the last-16 stage in the summer had spurred them on but is adamant everyone should now be realistic.

He said: “Everyone is hurt and disappointed about letting the nation down in South Africa. We know we have to put it right but it's important not to get carried away by these two results. It's going to be a long time and a long process before we're really back.

“We had no choice but to come together. All the players realised that we weren't good enough in South Africa, that we needed to regroup and stick together as well as raise the performance levels. Over the last two games we have certainly done that.

“Switzerland are an honest team and have a great record at home. People were talking about them being difficult to play and score against but we tore them apart at times.”

Rooney's performance was particularly impressive, as he had been under intense scrutiny since allegations about his private life emerged on Sunday.

“To get the goal was special for Wayne,” said Jermain Defoe. “He has been through a lot this week, he played really well and scored the goal. He is really enjoying this role of

playing a bit deeper because he can make us play. He was unbelievable against Bulgaria — he was involved in all four of the goals — and against Switzerland he got on the ball.

“The movement in the first half was maybe better than it was in the first game against Bulgaria. The manager was really happy and the energy was really good. In the second half the Swiss picked it up for 10 minutes but overall we were the better side.”

Defoe will today have a scan on the ankle injury which caused him to be substituted in the second half but the striker is confident he will be fit for Tottenham's Premier League game at West Brom on Saturday.

He added: “I am having a scan but I think I will be okay for the weekend. Playing this game on a Tuesday means I have an extra day to recover which will help me.

“I've always said I'll do my best to make sure I'm out there. It's an important game for the club. I just have to rest it and ice it.”

Arsenal have also been lifted by the news that Theo Walcott's injury is not as bad as first feared after the winger was carried off in the first half with an ankle problem of his own.

Walcott was immediately sent to hospital for an X-ray but coach Fabio Capello said: “I spoke with Theo. He told me it's not such a big problem. I said: Two weeks?' He told me less.”

The problem for Walcott, though, is that he could lose his place in the team to Adam Johnson for next month's qualifier against Montenegro. The Manchester City midfielder replaced him last night and capped a fine performance by scoring his second goal in as many games.

Johnson said: “It's brilliant for me. Two goals in two games — the last few days have been unbelievable for me. There was a lot of pressure on us and there are a few critics but I think we have shown we're a good team. The criticism has brought the squad together and we're full of confidence now. We're looking forward to the next game, we have six points and are looking strong.”

Switzerland were reduced to 10 men in the 65th minute when Stephan Lichtsteiner picked up his second booking. However, the right-back said: “I don't think my sending off had anything to do with the defeat. England are just a top-class team. But I have faith in the team. We have a strong squad and can still qualify.”

Bulgaria's hopes are in tatters after their coach, Stanimir Stoilov, resigned last night following the 1-0 defeat at home against Montenegro.

Stoilov claimed Stilian Petrov could follow suit just five months after he was appointed captain following Dimitar Berbatov's decision to give up international football.

“Stilian also said he might quit,” said Stoilov. “But I hope he'll change his mind and I also want Berbatov to return. Bulgaria need them.”

Bulgaria's sporting director Nasko Sirakov said he may also resign. He said: “It's a tragedy for our football.”