England

2-1

Norway

Crouch 75, Cole 90

 

Pousa 25


International Friendly
Liverpool FC
Wednesday 1 March 2006

Sven-Goran Eriksson was delighted by the performance of Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, which was capped by a coolly taken winning goal in stoppage time to give England a fourth successive victory.

After watching another England victory at Anfield, Sven said: "Cole was absolutely fantastic tonight, his development over the last two years has been amazing.

"He was strong, clever, he showed his tricks and his skill and he even worked hard in his own penalty area, he was our best player tonight," Sven added.

"I won't have any problems on the left wing if he plays like he did tonight." 

England started the game brightly but fell behind to a stunning strike from Omar Pousa, the volley looped over the head of Paul Robinson who had little chance with the fantastic strike.

Peter Crouch got England back into the game in the 75th minute, scoring his first goal for the Three Lions on his club ground. The goal came from an accurate cross from Cole, and the it was provider turned goalscorer fifteen minutes later when the Chelsea midfielder sealed a dramatic finale.

Shaun Wright-Phillips whipped the ball across, and his contribution after coming on for captain David Beckham was also recognised by the England Head Coach.

Sven picked out Peter Crouch and Wright-Phillips as key to turning the game around. He said: “They are both very good players and did well. Crouch scored and Wright Phillips did very well with his crosses.”

Sven also singled out Michael Carrick for the steady role he played in a holding midfield position. “Michael Carrick did a great job as a central midfielder. He showed today that he wants to be in the squad and did well with his long and short passes. He should be congratulated.”

The biggest worry was the ankle injury to Wayne Bridge after half-an-hour, but Sven said: "I don’t think it is very serious – it’s a ligament injury and he will have a scan Thursday.

"Fingers crossed that we don’t have any serious injuries, and if that is the case I say again that we can have a very good World Cup."