Team England attribute 2-1 victory over Ukraine to Italian manager
Team England attribute 2-1 victory over Ukraine to Italian manager
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England maintained their grip on Group Six with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ukraine in their World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
England's John Terryu00a0 celebrates his match-winning strike against Ukraine with teammates Wayne Rooney, and David Beckham in a World Cup qualifier at the Wembley Stadium in London last night. England won 2-1. (Above) Fabio Capello pics/ap |
But with four minutes remaining England captain John Terry netted from close range following a David Beckham free-kick.
The win maintains England's five-point lead over Croatia also victorious last night while lengthening the gap between them and the chasing pack.
Croatia ensured they did not lose ground on England with a 2-0 win away to Andorra.
Steven Gerrard paid England's spirited fightback against Ukraine claiming it wouldn't have been possible before coach Fabio Capello took charge because the team weren't mentally strong enough. "I think 18 months ago when we got a goal against us this side might have gone into our shell and played the final 20 minutes with fear. But this was much more positive. We showed a lot of character," said Gerrard.
Frank Lampard too agreed that there is new-found confidence in the camp under Capello. "Maybe you might not have seen that a couple of years ago. There's more confidence around the team which has bred from recent results," he said.
Skipper and match-winner John Terry too hailed the team's effort.
"I think you can see it in the way the lads are training. Everyone has got a smile on their face around the camp. The manager has made some changes and things are going really well for us. The players are happy and doing what's right," he said.
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