England did everything asked of them in a very professional manner in the 5-0 win over Andorra. There will be tougher tests ahead, but it's onwards and upwards after two good wins.
 Crouch is in top form for England |
Steve McClaren would have looked at his first three games - against Greece, Andorra and Macedonia - and thought this was a good chance for him to get the feelgood factor back.
He has achieved his objective in the first two games.
England did exceptionally well against Greece - and no-one can have asked any more against Andorra.
McClaren asked for plenty of width - and he got that.
Steven Gerrard's goal was a fantastic finish from a very good player while Jermain Defoe's goals were just what he needed.
His movement was fantastic and it will do him the world of good to get those two strikes because he was under pressure to score goals.
As for Crouch, eveything he touches turns into goals at the moment. He should actually have had a hat-trick but missed a sitter late on.
It's a great start for Steve McClaren. He got his major decisions right - and that is exactly how he will get the faith of his players.
England got goals by getting the ball in the areas McClaren wanted them to. His substitutions worked, too.
It was a good night for Jermain Defoe. He's lively, quick and quick-thinking - he took his goals very well.
 | The players will be right behind McClaren - and now the supporters are as well |
McClaren was very level-headed after the game because there are harder tests to come.
But there is now a sense of euphoria following the doom and gloom of the World Cup.
There is a tendency to get carried away, but it's all good news so far.
The players will be right behind McClaren - and now the supporters are as well.
I'm delighted for Jermain Defoe because I thought he was unlucky not to go to the World Cup. He showed great professionalism about the whole thing.
Andorra were not a good side, but winning games like that builds confidence and brings you closer as a team.
I'm just pleased we have got off to a great start.
As I said, I'm really pleased Jermain got on the scoresheet. You feel that, when people come back, he could be the fall guy if he's not scoring goals.
His first goal was the kind of finish you want when you are under pressure to score goals. The ball comes in and you just do it instinctively.
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