A wonderful strike from substitute Jermain Defoe has given England a 2-1 victory over Italy in their friendly international in Berne.
England are still unbeaten in 90 minutes under Roh Hodgson and he was happy with his sides performance tonight, especially coming back from Daniele De Rossi’s 15th minute header.
“I don’t think there was a great difference between what we did in the Euros and what we did tonight. Perhaps we just played with that little bit more composure,” insisted Hodgson of the 2-1 win.
This was the first time England had beaten Italy since another 1997 friendly on neutral turf.
“It was worthwhile because it gave us a chance to see so many new players,” said the England manager.
“It might have been different if we had used the same players who had been at the Euros with us. But it was great to be able to give some of the senior players a rest and to be able to blood some new players, some fresh talent and they answered the challenge in the best possible way with a great victory.
“We know Tom Cleverley is a great player, a very important player for Manchester United, who were unlucky to lose him for so long last season. He has been playing for GB, playing very well for GB and it was great for him to be able to make his England debut tonight.
“It is not about systems it is about players. Three in midfield passed very well, our wide men worked very hard but everyone played their part.”
With five players earnings their first caps, an excellent performance from second-half substitute John Ruddy, Michael Carrick easing himself back into the international fold England fans have to be delighted with tonight’s win in Switzerland.
