Kocha England ajipa moyo

Hodgson

ROY HODGSON insists England will only get better after holding France to a battling draw.

His side delivered a top defensive performance in their Euro 2012 opener after Joleon Lescott’s opener was cancelled out by Samir Nasri. 

Joleon Lescott put England in front with a thumping, towering header from Steven Gerrard

Joleon Lescott powers past Hugo Lloris to give England the lead 

Boss Hodgson, in only his third game in charge, said: “You don’t become a really good team in three matches and 10 training sessions. 

  “The French have gone 22 games unbeaten and that’s not done overnight. 

“It’s been people playing together, getting to know each other’s games. The longer we play together, the better we’ll become too. 

“I’ve had three games. Am I satisfied with those three games, and have the players done what’s asked of them, then yes. 

Danny Welbeck impressed as the focal point of attack in the absence of Wayne Rooney

“But we’ve got Sweden now. Who knows? Let’s wait and see.” 

England returned to their Krakow, Poland base after a game played in 90-degree temperatures. 

They fly back to Ukraine on Thursday for Friday’s date with Sweden in Kiev. 

Hodgson said: “Our defence played very well. I am obviously pleased for the players, most of all. The conditions were very difficult for both teams.

“We started both halves well but we suffered a good French spell just before half-time. They kept the ball well in our half for a period that led to the equaliser. 

Nasri decided to 'shhh' the watching fans after his crucial goal for France

“But we started the second half as we did the first. We looked quite dangerous again. 

“I’m pleased the game’s out of the way. I’m pleased the players have shown they can cope well at this level. 

“I’m looking forward to the next game. This gives us a good platform. We’ll get fitter as well — match fitter. There are no injury concerns. 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was a real menace in the early stages

“But it was tough in those last 15 or 20 minutes. The French were also feeling the effects of the heat.” 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 18, a surprise starter, impressed Hodgson. 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain glides away from Yohan Cabaye and Alou Diarra

 He added: “He has the ability to skip past defenders and he did that a few times but was brought down. 

“He’s got the ability to beat people, which is an important ability to have.” 

 Roy Hodgson and Laurent Blanc embrace after the game

The Sun, Daily Mail


Wakati huo huo

Steven Gerrard is demanding England show their fighting spirit in a game against Sweden he feels must yield three points.

England opened their Euro 2012 campaign with a 1-1 draw against France. With Ukraine beating Sweden on Monday evening, the Three Lions find themselves trailing the leaders by two points.

With a game against co-hosts Ukraine to conclude the group, the onus is on England to press their claims for a place in the knockout stages when they face Sweden in Kiev on Friday.

Captain Gerrard is aware of the need to secure the win, but they are unlikely to shift away from the approach that earned a point against France.

"The tactics will be similar, we need to be difficult to beat," he said.

France had possession for long spells against England and Gerrard wants the team to capitalise when they do create chances.

He said: "We need to be braver on the ball. We need to create a bit more as we need three points on Friday.

"With all due respect, Sweden are not France.”