Barkley leads the way as Hodgson seeks redemption for England's World Cup woes

Ross Barkley got on the scoresheet, and the Everton player caught his international manager's eye

ENGLAND scored 10 out of 10 for their qualifying campaign with their 3-0 win over Lithuania but Roy Hodgson said nothing can get rid of the scars of the 2014 World Cup.

He said: "I did believe the team could go unbeaten. It was a big goal to set - perhaps too big in some respects - but something in me said they are good players here, and we're not dependent upon 11.

"I'm not trying to change perception of the World Cup, because we didn't get out of the group, lost the first two games and that finished us off.

"It's very hard to put in words the dejection and disappointment you feel after working hard and preparing for a World Cup as we did, and then to go out after two games. I still don't have the words to explain that.

"It could be an experience which serves in the future, because we never want it to happen again."

 

Ross Barkley used Lithuania's artificial pitch to show Hodgson he is the real deal by scoring the opener before an unfortunate own goal by Watford keeper Giednus Arlauskis and an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain third.

Hodgson praised the Everton midfielder and all the other younger stars who shone in the absence of more experienced players left back at home.

"We always believed in Ross and it's nice to see him maturing game by game," he said.

"We've tried in this campaign not to bash and have the confidence in some players to give them a chance on the field. They didn't let us down. I'm not sure those who weren't here would have done a better job tonight."

 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored England's third goal with a low drive

While England put on a nerveless display on the pitch, there were continuous concerns off it after scuffles broke out between rival fans before kick-off.

Riot police moved in when Lithuanian ultras attacked England fans who had bought tickets in the home end and, aside from some antagonistic goal celebrations, calm was quickly restored, with an uneasy truce enduring for the remainder of the game.

Then, after finishing with only San Marino below them in Group E, Lithuania coach Igoris Pankratjevas came into the post-match press conference to announce his intention to resign and left before his words could even be translated.