Watch: Rickie Lambert v. Ecuador

Though it was overshadowed somewhat by Raheem Sterling's late red card, Liverpool fans watching Ecuador v. England will have been very happy with Rickie Lambert's performance.

By Noel Chomyn@LFCOffside Jun 5, 2014, 3:00pm BST

From a Liverpool point of view, England's 2-2 draw with Ecuador was notable for two things. The key talking point for many was Raheem Sterling's late red card that never should have been, the player arriving slightly high in his tackle on Antonio Valencia but with no seeming ill intent only for the Manchester United man to react by grabbing Sterling by the throat.

Though Sterling's lack of reaction to being physically assaulted by Valencia appeared commendable, the referee bizarrely chose to show both players red. Coming late as it did, it also overshadowed the other point worth discussing for Liverpool fans: the play of new signing Rickie Lambert, whose right-footed drive gave England what at the time seemed likely to a the winning goal.

Though he wasn't always on the same page as his teammates, Lambert showed signs of the hold-up play and an eye for through balls that could make him a very useful option for Liverpool. Despite being played as England's lone outright striker, Lambert was anything but static, wandering wide and deep and looking to play the sort of quick, interchanging passing game he did at Southampton.

It was a reminder that, despite his size, Lambert isn't actually a targetman striker waiting in the middle to knock down crosses. He isn't the fastest man on the pitch, but he's a smart, technically sound player who will look to set up his teammates and should fit easily into Brendan Rodgers' system. Plus he's got a decent right foot on him when it comes time to shoot.

Video by LFC Tiki Taka