England captain Steven Gerrard has declared that he thinks a host of new players delivered impressive performances against Sweden this evening.
Roy Hodgson opted to hand a number of players their international debuts in Stockholm, a move Gerrard that believes will help the team in the future.
The Three Lions skipper singled out Liverpool teammate Raheem Sterling and Everton midfielder Leon Osman for special praise.
He told BBC Sport: "A lot of young players were out there tonight, and I thought they were terrific.
"I thought Raheem Sterling did really well, he always looks dangerous. When I was 17, I was an apprentice at Liverpool cleaning boots, but look how far he has come.
"Leon Osman is a different age at 31 but he played very well. They will never forget their first game."
Hodgson's side led with 15 minutes to go but eventually slipped to defeat thanks to a four-goal haul from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Liam Power
