Good feeling: Roy Hodgson saw England win their first competitive game during his tenure

It is Gerrard’s contention that it was the character and determination of the team that rescued a game they had allowed to slip out of their grasp when they went 2-1 down to the Swedes.

‘We showed a lot of character but the disappointing thing is that, after going a goal up and completely controlling the first half, I felt we shouldn’t have needed to,’ he said.

‘We lost concentration on two set-pieces and were punished. But in general play I thought we were very good. At this level, if you concede at set-pieces, you lose matches. We need to address those mistakes. That’s the disappointing thing from the Sweden game. But the big picture is the three points gained.’

Gerrard cited the judgment of manager Roy Hodgson in bringing in Andy Carroll, a decision that was rewarded when the big Geordie headed the first goal from his captain’s perfect cross.

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