Macedonia v England
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
8pm, Wednesday 6 September 2006
Gradski, Skopje
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Macedonia

0-1

England

 

 

Crouch 46
6 September 2006
Steven Gerrard post Macedonia

TheFA.com spoke with the Liverpool midfielder after England's 1-0 win over Macedonia in Skopje.

Steven Gerrard hailed England's team spirit after his 50th appearance for the Three Lions ended in glory.

The Three Lions were forced to dig in in Skopje and needed Peter Crouch's hooked volley to see them past their dogged opponents.

"It was nice to reach 50 caps," said the Liverpool star. "But the important thing was to win the three points, which makes it six points in total."

The two wins - 5-0 and 1-0 - comprise England's best start to a European Championship for 40 years, much to the delight of Gerrard.

"It has been a wonderful start to the qualifying campaign, but that was a tough game," he said. "There was not much pretty football and build up play, but it was always going to be all about sticking together, defending well as a team and coming away with the three points.

"We knew there would not be much attractive and attacking football and we would have to dig in together. I think it's a great start to have six points and two clean sheets.

"Now we need to build on this for the next two games and get another six points when we next meet up."

Gerrard revealed the team are benefitting from a club atmosphere, with the players encouraged to mix together when not training.

"It is still early doors under the new manager but the signs are good," said Gerrard. "We need to work hard, keep improving and try and become a good team. We know we've got fantastic individuals but we've got to try and keep working harder for the team.

"The manager wants a club environment and wants us out of hotel rooms, mixing together and doing activities and the team spirit is fantastic."

TheFA.com - the home of th England team.