Goal.com

Jun 2, 2012 8:42:00 PM

The Three Lions' boss was happy to end a tough week with a win, and had praise for Steven Gerrard, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and match-winner Danny Welbeck in particular

England manager Roy Hodgson said he was “very pleased” with his side's 1-0 victory over Belgium on Wednesday in their final friendly match before Euro 2012.

Danny Welbeck's chipped finish ten minutes before half-time gave the hosts a narrow win to send The Three Lions into the tournament with two successive triumphs under their belt, having also beaten Norway seven days earlier.

WAG CULTURE GONE FROM ENGLAND TEAM

The phenomenon peaked at the 2006 World Cup

With England kicking off their European Championship campaign against France on June 11, Hodgson spoke of his satisfaction at the performance.

"I'm very pleased, it's been a hard week and we've used a lot of players," he told reporters at Wembley.

"There was a lot of disruption in the second-half with substitutions – some forced upon us, some we wanted to do.

"But it's still a very good end to the week playing against a good Belgian team here. Arguably even stronger than the Norwegian team we played last week and I've got to be more than happy that we've come out with another victory."

Discussing his team's preparation for the upcoming tournament, the 64-year-old admitted there was still work to be done in some areas, but added that he was pleased with his defence.

"There’s certainly a lot of work we need to do offensively. We’re not making the most of wide areas and getting into pockets of space,” Hodgson continued.

"In terms of the shape of the team defensively, we haven’t done too badly. I’m certainly happy defensively.

"I’m not prepared at this moment in time to be too critical because I’m more than satisfied with what the players are trying to give the team and the country. I thought that was encapsulated by Steven Gerrard today."

As well as Gerrard, Hodgson also had praise for two of his younger players; goalscorer Welbeck, and winger Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain.

He added: "It was a very good finish [by Welbeck]. He showed remarkable calmness to chip it over the goalkeeper. That was the highlight of the game for me.

"[Oxlade-Chamberlain] did quite well I thought. It was good to give him a real debut. I thought he did some very good things but again we have to keep working on what we expect from him in that wide position."

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!