It was an impressive performance from Rafael Benítez's side and above all, it was a certain Steven Gerrard who caught Clemence's eye.

"Liverpool were always in control and looked sharper and obviously there were some very positive things to come out of the game from Sven’s point of view," Clemence told TheFA.com.

"Steven Gerrard scored two fabulous goals and was unlucky not have scored a hat-trick.

"He said after the game that he does not feel he’s up to full sharpness yet but you would expect that at this stage of the season. When he is back up to his full levels, it’s a frightening prospect."

Another member of England's Euro 2004 squad was also in action as Jamie Carragher took up a defensive role alongside Sami Hyypia.

"It was also good to see Jamie playing so well in central defence," Clemence added. "He is a very strong and capable player in that position."

Liverpool now stand on the verge of a place in the group stage of the Champions League, where they would expect to meet some of Europe's top sides.

The advantage of having England internationals playing in the kind of illustrious company that European competitions promise is not something lost on the England coaching set-up.

"Yes, Sven does place a good deal of importance on how players fare in European competition because it is a different style of play in that arena," Clemence said.

The start of the new season's action also drew something of a line under Euro 2004 as England look to get their World Cup qualification campaign off to a flying start.

"It was good to get back on the trail of watching games, and there are certainly some positive things that I’ll be reporting back to Sven as we gear up towards Ukraine next week."

Remember to logon to TheFA.com on Saturday evening for first news of Sven's squad.

England v Ukraine, Wednesday 18 August 2004

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England U21 v Ukraine U21, Tuesday 17 August 2004

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