Fabio Capello hailed his three young lions as the main reason to celebrate a win against Sweden sealed at Wembley by England’s 2000th international goal.
Phil Jones, Kyle Walker and Jack Rodwell came in for special praise from Capello after his England team won 1-0 to end 2011 unbeaten.
It was England’s first victory against Sweden since 1968, courtesy of a goal initially awarded to Gareth Barry.
But the ball skidded in off Sweden defender Daniel Majstorovic and was credited as an own goal.
'It's important to beat Sweden after 43 years but it was more important to see Jones, Rodwell and Walker play against a team which is really organised and difficult to play against.
'The answer that I received from the performance is really important for me. And these three players played really well.'
Having only made his debut as a substitute in Saturday's win over Spain, Rodwell has made rapid strides over the last few days.
Once again this evening, he played with a freedom all too often missing from England stars at Wembley.
Now he must maintain that momentum in a struggling Everton side in order to have a chance of making the final cut for Poland and Ukraine next summer.
John Terry was captain for the first time since police launched an investigation into allegations he aimed a racist remark at Anton Ferdinand in Chelsea’s recent game at QPR.
'There's no chance I would ever step down,’ said Terry. 'It’s something I dreamed of as a boy. I’m passionate and very confident being England captain.'
source: www.dailymail.co.uk
