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As expected, England weren't particularly inspirational, but with five Liverpool players taking part--and one rumored to be a main target for the summer transfer window--their 3-0 win over Peru was one worth watching. As noted in the open thread, each of Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, and Daniel Sturridge were given starts, while Raheem Sterling came on to great effect early in the second half. Further Liverpool interest was sated with an appearance by Adam Lallana, who featured on the right side of an advanced midfield three.
At times the hosts looked impressive and urgent going forward, especially after Sterling came on, but they spent the majority of the evening plodding forward and watching one of Johnson, Wayne Rooney, or Danny Welbeck trying to sabotage their own cause. Gerrard was reserved in a deeper role alongside Henderson, though too often he reverted to playing longer, ranging passes as the movement in front of him dried up. Henderson produced his typical workmanlike effort in logging a full ninety minutes (and had a very tidy evening indeed) along with Johnson, and as noted, Sterling looked brightest in the squad during his cameo.
That leaves Sturridge, who stuttered at times but scored the one that mattered in the 32nd minute. It was a lovely curling effort with his left foot, and one that was deserved to be a match-winner before goals by Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka padded England's lead.
