PAUL FAIRCLOUGH hailed the intelligence of his England players as they gave him the perfect 50th game present.
The Three Lions boss celebrated his half century of games in charge of our England team with a win that has come to epitomise his reign.
Fairclough’s team executed their tactics perfectly. Moving up the pitch as a unit, they zipped the ball about the pitch, defended resolutely and eventually got their reward through Andre Gray’s winner.
“From the moment we all met in the hotel on Sunday there was just a feel that this could be right, Fairclough said. “I remember someone saying to me they had a good feeling about this squad.
“The great thing about this group is that they’ve been like a sponge, each one of them. We’ve thrown so much at them and they’ve absorbed it, soaked it up and most importantly embraced it.
“They’ve understood what we’ve been trying to do with them, both technically on the pitch and psychologically.
“They understood what needed to be done to pull the victory together. All the management team were overwhelmed by the quality of football.
“There were players passing the ball for fun. That’s a very intellectual thing because the temptation is always there to do something better or go long.
“It was the performance that brought about the result. That was key for me. That?’s why I’m so proud because they were determined to put that performance in.”
Attention now turns to Rome on November 15 where Italy take on Russia. If Italy beat the already-qualified Russians, who have shown their intent with two 4-0 wins so far, then England C will be out.
“A lot of hard work went into getting this result,”? Fairclough said. “Personally I really want the chance to play Russia again. I felt cheated against Russia in June. I just hope now that Russia don’t abuse the competition.
“They’ve already qualified for the next round. They’ve got to go to Rome so I hope they don’t send a weakened side.
“Russia are strong. I’d be disappointed if they only went to sample the Italian wine.”
