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England have an extremely kindly group, which is helpful as Roy Hodgson is manager of the national team. To be frank, qualification for next summer's European Championships isn't something to be overly proud of with group winners, runners-up, and the third-placed team with the best record qualifying directly to the finals in France. Making the top two in a group containing Switzerland, Slovenia, Lithuania, Estonia, and San Marino will be easy.
England went into the game with four wins from four and took a further three points with goals from captain Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Raheem Sterling with a tap-in for the third, and substitute Harry Kane (assisted by Sterling) on his international debut. Jordan Henderson started in midfield and created a goal for Welbeck. The performance of Raheem Sterling was a highlight as he was a constant threat with his running on the ball and crosses into dangerous areas.
Highlights included Harry Kane's first goal with his first touch, but from a Liverpool perspective, Sterling's performance on the right of a front three in a narrow 4-3-3 formation showed what Liverpool fans already know: the Golden Boy is a troublesome proposition for defenders. At wing-back, a position Brendan Rodgers admitted was unsuitable for the 20-year-old, Sterling cannot express himself as fully as he should be able to. He completed eleven dribbles in the game but after the game, Roy Hodgson confirmed that the youngster had been suffering with a toe injury. As agreed with Liverpool, Sterling will take an injection before returning to Melwood.
Brendan Rodgers will be concerned with Jordan Henderson coming through the Italy game unscathed as he is the last Liverpool player remaining in the England squad.
