England finish with 100 percent record

Hodgson’s starting XI against Lithuania had only won a combined total of 140 caps going into the match

ENGLAND completed the perfect 10 wins from 10 in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with an easy victory in Lithuania.

Manager Roy Hodgson fielded an England team with an experimental look – but it still had far too much class for the very limited Lithuanians, whose manager Igoris Pankratjevas resigned immediately after the match.

Ross Barkley’s deflected shot gave England the lead before Harry Kane’s effort rebounded in off the back of Lithuania keeper Giedrius Arlauskis after striking the post to make the outcome a formality even before half-time.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s powerful shot rounded off a comfortable night for England that was only marred by brief skirmishes between rival groups of fans that had to be broken up by riot police.

England, who qualified for next summer’s tournament in France with two matches to spare, are only the sixth team ever to reach the finals with a 100% record.

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Have England and Hodgson had the credit they deserve?

England’s flawless record in qualifying has often been damned with faint praise shaped by the standard of opposition they faced.

There is an undoubted element of truth in the claim that England were handed a very favourable Euro 2016 draw – certainly very favourable for Hodgson after a World Cup that was little short of a debacle.

Hodgson’s reputation as England manager would have been in serious danger with any significant defeats early on after that. Instead he was able to rebuild in a relatively comfortable group.
The bottom line, however, is that England have done everything asked of them and a flawless record in qualifying – in which they scored 31 goals and conceded just three – must not be dismissed lightly.

It should also be placed in the context of the problems faced by other so-called bigger nations. Netherlands – World Cup semi-finalists in 2014 – have struggled desperately, the highly rated Belgians were beaten by Wales, while Spain lost in Slovakia a year ago – their first qualifying defeat in eight years.

Tougher tests – much tougher tests – lie ahead and it is likely the true measure of England’s progress since they went out at the group stage in Brazil will only be revealed once Euro 2016 begins and they face high-quality opposition in a competitive environment.

To question theirs and Hodgson’s record in this qualifying group would be churlish and undeserved. They have completed the mission without a blemish and for that they deserve credit.