England manager Roy Hodgson believes the signs for the future are bright after handing debuts to several young prospects in Wednesday's 2-1 victory against Italy in the Swiss capital
The likes of Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole and John Terry were not required for this game, played just three days before the start of the new Premier League season.
England’s Jermain Defoe (left) scores the winner against Italy. PIC/AFP
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Their availability means that Hodgson does not need to completely re-build ahead of the World Cup in Brazil in two years’ time.
Goalkeepers Jack Butland and John Ruddy and Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley all showed up well on their debuts, while there were also international bows from the bench for Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand and Spurs midfielder Jake Livermore.
“There were a lot of players looking to make an impression ahead of the qualifiers and I’m happy with the way they played,” said Hodgson, who watched his side come from behind thanks to goals from Phil Jagielka and substitute Jermaine Defoe after Italy captain Daniele De Rossi had opened the scoring.u00a0
Key results
>> Belgium 4-2 Holland
>> France 0-0 Uruguay
>> Germany 1-3 Argentina
>> Belgium 4-2 Holland
>> Portugal 2-0 Panama
>> Sweden 0-3 Brazil
>> Spain 2-1 Puerto Rico
>> Croatia 2-4 Switzerlandu00a0
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