SERBKINGKEZMAN
09-03-2005, 06:48 PM
Eriksson praises England attitude
Wales 0-1 England
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was pleased with the way his side bounced back from the friendly defeat to Denmark with a 1-0 victory over Wales.
"We have one more win, three more points and if we go on like this we'll win the group," he said.
"At the end of the match we suffered. There were a lot of long balls coming to our box.
"But a bit of suffering in football is Ok if we have the right attitude and we had that today."
Eriksson admitted his side had been "up and down" but he was reasonably pleased with how his new 4-5-1 formation coped with a dogged Wales side.
And he did not rule out retaining it against Northern Ireland on Wednesday.
He added: "Sometimes we can use it, during long periods we did OK and caused problems.
"Wales did very well and fought for every ball."
Eriksson said he would leave it until Monday or Tuesday before deciding who will start in Belfast.
It was a great save and the lads were full of thanks to Robbo at half-time
David Beckham on Paul Robinson's save
England's goalscorer Joe Cole suffered a slight calf strain, but it was not clear whether it would prevent him from playing against the Northern Ireland.
Skipper David Beckham felt that the 4-5-1 system had allowed England to dominate in midfield.
Beckham operated in a deep role for most of the match, allowing Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to play further forward
He said: "I think the midfield, for most of the game, was pretty solid.
"When you've got players like Frank and Steven around you it is easier.
"We're professionals and, if you're asked to play in different positions and different styles, you should be able to do it.
"I don't mind what system we play. It doesn't matter about systems, you've still got to perform."
England had keeper Paul Robinson to thank for a wonder save to deny a John Hartson header in the first-half.
"It was a great save and the lads were full of thanks to Robbo at half-time," said Beckham.
"Full credit to our lads. We never gave up chasing. They were hard to break down as they sat back but we've got the win and that's what matters."
Wales 0-1 England
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was pleased with the way his side bounced back from the friendly defeat to Denmark with a 1-0 victory over Wales.
"We have one more win, three more points and if we go on like this we'll win the group," he said.
"At the end of the match we suffered. There were a lot of long balls coming to our box.
"But a bit of suffering in football is Ok if we have the right attitude and we had that today."
Eriksson admitted his side had been "up and down" but he was reasonably pleased with how his new 4-5-1 formation coped with a dogged Wales side.
And he did not rule out retaining it against Northern Ireland on Wednesday.
He added: "Sometimes we can use it, during long periods we did OK and caused problems.
"Wales did very well and fought for every ball."
Eriksson said he would leave it until Monday or Tuesday before deciding who will start in Belfast.
It was a great save and the lads were full of thanks to Robbo at half-time
David Beckham on Paul Robinson's save
England's goalscorer Joe Cole suffered a slight calf strain, but it was not clear whether it would prevent him from playing against the Northern Ireland.
Skipper David Beckham felt that the 4-5-1 system had allowed England to dominate in midfield.
Beckham operated in a deep role for most of the match, allowing Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to play further forward
He said: "I think the midfield, for most of the game, was pretty solid.
"When you've got players like Frank and Steven around you it is easier.
"We're professionals and, if you're asked to play in different positions and different styles, you should be able to do it.
"I don't mind what system we play. It doesn't matter about systems, you've still got to perform."
England had keeper Paul Robinson to thank for a wonder save to deny a John Hartson header in the first-half.
"It was a great save and the lads were full of thanks to Robbo at half-time," said Beckham.
"Full credit to our lads. We never gave up chasing. They were hard to break down as they sat back but we've got the win and that's what matters."