The stand-out performer was the magnificent Steven Gerrard. It makes you wonder, with all the debate there has been about the captaincy, why it wasn’t given to him years ago.
He is thriving with the responsibility, playing with confidence and flair and reproducing his club form for his country. He gave his international form ‘6 or 7 out of 10’ before the tournament, but this was much higher.
He’s a humble man, a fabulous footballer and now I’m glad people are getting to see how good he is.
I played against Joleon Lescott when he was at Wolves: the question then was ‘is he mobile enough’.
He’s come a long way since. He has a title medal for Manchester City and now he has been England’s best defender in the tournament. He reacted quickly to danger on Tuesday night and, while he might yet be caught out by quick movement, he plays with great heart and desire.
He is likely to face his club team-mate Mario Balotelli next, which will be a different challenge, but one to relish in this form. John Terry was also very good, but Lescott is playing above himself.
Top form: Lescott has proved his doubters wrong Roon for improvementThe Big Man is back ... kind of.
He scored his goal, but Wayne Rooney was rusty. It’s a good thing, because there is more to come and the 86 minutes will help his fitness.
His touch let him down at times, but he was in the right place at the right time for the goal. He’s off and running.
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