13 October 2004
Sir Trevor Brooking exclusive

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Brooking feels Sven's side can withstand anything as they look to build on the success over Wales with another win in Baku.

"I'm sure the performance against Wales on Saturday and the confidence coming out of that win and the fact that another three points would put England in a very strong position means there won't be any complacency coming into this match," Brooking said.

Brooking was delighted with England's performance against Wales at the weekend and now he feels the side need to go on and claim three more World Cup qualifying points.

"It was good," Brooking continued. "The fact that Wales and Northern Ireland are in our group means that we have four tough matches.

"You could settle down and get an early goal was good and I thought the side played well. It was just frustrating when it was 1-0 but as soon as the second place went in you could relax a little.

"It was a good performance and a lot of good individual ones as well with has given Sven options with formations and selections."

Brooking is Director of Football Development at The FA and the sight of Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen playing together upfront on Saturday must have brought a smile to his face.

"Jermain didn't score but he did exceptionally well before. Good goal, got off the mark, he's such quick feet [which] does put pressure on Michael.

"Michael responded very well against Wales. His movement was good and Wayne is Wayne. 

"Then with Rio and Sol coming in wherever you look now there's depth in the squad."

Sven-Goran Eriksson is one man who believes that the returning Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell constitute one of the strongest central defensive partnerships in international football and Brooking agrees they are a formidable pairing.

"I don't think you'd swop them - they play consistently. You look at the back four and I think the two full-backs did excellently.

"Ashley [Cole] just seems to be getting better and better and I don't think Sven would swop any of his defenders at present."

This is England's final qualifying match of the year, and the final one before March next year and if the Three Lions can win, it will leave England sitting in a good position at the top of the group.

"Looking at the fixtures those two [opening] away games were tricky ones. Then you've Wales at home and Azerbaijan. If the side could emerge from that with ten points, it will be a nice three or four months."