"It was not easy because Wales defended very well," after the match. "They did not let our full backs play at all, they went back with a lot of players and they closed all the spaces for us or tried to do it.

"I think it was a very professional and good performance.

"We could have scored more goals and I think Wales had one chance with Bellamy so I am very pleased. Of course I am.

Sven broke from his usual formation to play three strikers, with Wayne Rooney operating at the fulcrum between midfield and attack.

It was a move which seemed to work well with Rooney, Michael Owen and Jermain Defoe all looking comfortable, carving out goalscoring opportunities. 

"I think it worked very well. We had a very good balance in the team and all the players worked very hard and were very, very professional.

"We kept heads cold which was so important in such a game and it was very good.

"A clean sheet was very good and I think we could have scored two or three more goals.

After Frank Lampard gave England a superb start, it wasn't until late in the match that England made the game safe with a marvellous game from captain David Beckham.

"That was a special goal or course, to find that top corner was extremely difficult.

"The 2-0 was very important because as long as it is 2-0 you never know what will happen, it could be corner, a free kick or whatever. So at 2-0, that killed the game."