Reflecting in Sweden win

The England unbeaten record under Roy Hodgson continues as The Three Lions collected, a potentially priceless, victory in the 'topsy turvy' game against Sweden on Friday night.

Having been 1-0 up, and coasting at half time, suddenly we found ourselves 2-1 down before an inspired sub eventually saw us running out 3-2 winners to end our competitive hoodoo against the Swedes to move within a point of qualification from group D, and put them out!

To be on the verge of qualification from the group with a game to play makes him 'happy' but he knows the job is not done yet: 'I'm happy going into the final group game knowing a draw or win see us through.

'Our goal is making certain that we continue doing what we've done in the four matches and not slip from that standard.'

If we go into the Ukraine game playing for a draw, although I reckon we would get it, you always run that risk of slipping up - so we pretty much carry on as we have I would say...

Managers are based on the results that they get and the decision that they make during them without a doubt, few can disagree with that.

Well, the move to bring on Theo Walcott proved an inspired one and the Arsenal man turned the game back in our favour.

Well played Roy, well played indeed!

Hodgson says that he 'believes' in Walcott but admits that he is still 'learning' about the players (him included) he has in his squad: 'I'd be lying if I said I knew the players as well as you. You've seen them play for England on so many occasions.

'I've worked with them for one month and I'm still learning about what they're good at and finding areas for improvement.

'I was very pleased with the performance of the two front players, and of course Theo's contribution was enormous.

'To come on as a sub and score such a good goal and set up a winner, he's got to be very pleased with his contribution.'

A good honest, and open, assessment from Hodgson and can we ask anymore?

Its too early to get carried away, and defensively we cannot be caught as cold as we were on dead balls, but if Hodgson can continue to 'learn' about his players, and get the best from them, maybe, just maybe, well you know...

Vital England on:

Vital England on:

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