Steven Gerrard praises England’s Basel performance

Steven Gerrard praised England’s performance against Switzerland after goals from Wayne Rooney, Adam Johnson and Darren Bent helped Fabio Capello’s side to a 3-1 victory in Basel.

“People were talking about how good Switzerland are defensively, but we just tore them apart,” said the Liverpool midfielder.

“Everything the manager asked of us, we got the game plan spot on. I think we got a little bit lazy in the second half, they came into the game, but it was never in doubt.”

Goalkeeper Joe Hart was denied a second consecutive clean sheet after the Manchester City shot-stopper failed to prevent Swiss teenager Xherdan Shaqiri’s long-range goal.

In the wake of a difficult World Cup campaign Gerrard admits the national side need to restore damaged pride by producing dominant displays more regularly.

The 30-year-old added: “I think all the players realised that over in South Africa it wasn’t good enough so we needed to re-group.

“We need to stick together and try and raise the performance levels. I think over the last two games we have certainly done that.

“I just think we’ve re-grouped. Everyone was hurt and disappointed by letting the nation down over in South Africa.

“We know we have to put it right but it’s important not to get carried away by these two results. It’s going to be a long time and a long process before we’re really back.”