Goals from Paul Scholes, Robbie Fowler, David Beckham and Teddy Sheringham gave England a 4-0 triumph over Mexico at Derby's Pride Park to keep the momentum rolling for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Greece in Athens in 10 days time.
It made it four wins out of four for Eriksson and suddenly the Kevin Keegan era of dissidence and confusion seemed a distant memory. When told his side had eclipsed the start of every manager since the days of Walter Winterbottom back in 1946 Eriksson said: “That's nice but it is the result and performance which pleased me.”
He singled out Fowler, the Liverpool striker whose season appeared to be over two weeks ago when he failed to start in the FA Cup final saying: “Fowler was excellent tonight. I thought the partnership between him and Michael Owen up front was excellent.”
He also extolled the virtues of Liverpool powerhouse Steven Gerrard, who turned in another magnificent midfield performance. “Let's hope he can stay fit for Athens,” said Eriksson. “I thought he had a great game and he is very important to us.”
The one Liverpool star who failed to fulfil his potential was Emile Heskey, playing in the problem position on the left side of midfield. “I thought he did fine,” said Eriksson. “I know he prefers to play up front but I also know he prefers midfield rather than being on the bench. He did well and can play there for me. I think it's a good solution. Steve McManaman could be another solution. It's good to know they can do that job.”
Along with the new blood however Eriksson also insisted that the old guard was still important. “I thought Teddy Sheringham was excellent this evening,” he said of the striker bound for Spurs whose brilliant second-half free-kick upstaged the first half effort of Manchester United team-mate Beckham. “Sheringham can still play a big part for England.” (PA)
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
