England on road back – Gerrard

Steven Gerrard believes England have started the long process of rehabilitating their reputation following an impressive 3-1 Euro 2012 qualifying victory in Switzerland.

Tuesday’s result means England have won three consecutive games since returning home in disgrace from the World Cup, including two competitive games that have put them top of Group G with six points.

“It was another good performance,” said Gerrard.

“I think all the players realised that over in South Africa it wasn’t good enough so we needed to re-group, stick together and try and raise the performance levels.

“I think over the last two games we have certainly done that. Everyone was hurt and disappointed by letting the nation down in South Africa and we know we have to put it right.

“But I also have to say it’s important not to get carried away by these two results. It’s going to be a long time and a long process before we’re really back.”

Even so, England showed signs of encouragement in Basel as they overcame a week of speculation about the private life of star striker Wayne Rooney to win comfortably, with Rooney opening the scoring.

“All the talk in the build-up was about Wayne but we showed a great togetherness and the early goal for Wayne did him the world of good,” said Gerrard, England’s stand-in captain in the absence of injured Rio Ferdinand.

England will now be favourites to finish top of Group G to reach the finals in Poland and Ukraine. And in Manchester City winger Adam Johnson they may have also unearthed a new hero.

He came on as a substitute in Basel to replace injured Theo Walcott and, for the second game in a row, ended up on the score sheet.

“Six points is great so far and I think you can see the confidence is back; we’re compact as a team and we’re together,” said Johnson.