Top Gunner: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was handed his first start for England on the flanks

‘But I am happy that we are  moving towards a team that can not only give them a game but, if we have a bit of luck on our side, can perhaps win.

‘I don’t think we will go into the game as favourites but I am pleased with the progress.’

Being the underdog appears to suit Hodgson. On Saturday night he suggested that Belgium could be worth more on the open transfer market than his England team.

But he is not so comfortable with the idea that he has succeeded in making England a difficult team to break down. For Hodgson, it sounded like it might be meant  as criticism.

‘Of course, we do have good defenders. We do have plenty of experience in that area and that  is what is shining through at the moment.

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