Gerrard: Job is just 'half-done'
Steven Gerrard insisted the job of guiding England to the 2014 World Cup is only 'half-done' after the Three Lions saw off Montenegro 4-1 at Wembley on Friday evening.
Heading into their final two Group H qualifiers, England were aware of the necessity for back-to-back victories to ensure they edge Ukraine in the battle for automatic qualification.
Roy Hodgson's team complete their campaign at home to the already-eliminated Poland on Tuesday night, but the captain stressed the importance of a repeat performance next week.
"The message is that the job is half-done," the midfielder reflected post-match.
"Poland are a very good team and they are going to come and do a similar thing as Montenegro today - make it really difficult for us. It's important that we perform to the same level as tonight, if not more.
"I hope they come here with that attitude, nothing to play for, and relax. But I can't see it.
"They are coming to Wembley, they will want to beat England and be the team that stops us going to the World Cup. We won't be thinking they're going to take their foot off the gas."
Hodgson opted for an adventurous line-up against Montenegro, restoring Daniel Sturridge to lead the line and selecting Wayne Rooney, Andros Townsend and Danny Welbeck in support.
The decision proved correct, with Reds striker Sturridge joining both Rooney and Townsend in adding his name to the scoresheet - his second senior goal for the Three Lions.
"The players and manager took a bit of criticism after Ukraine and I thought his selection was very bold here," Gerrard added.
"He went for three forwards and an out-and-out winger, and it paid off. Well done to him for his bravery.
"We had to show a lot of patience, we knew Montenegro were going to come and defend deep, try to spoil the game and play for the draw.
"We showed patience and I thought we lifted it after half-time. Thankfully, we got the breakthrough early on in the second half, and I thought we won the game comfortably in the end.
"We didn't do a lot wrong in the first half but, credit to Montenegro, they defended well. But we knew if we kept knocking on the door, the breakthrough would come. Credit to the lads, we've done exactly what was asked of us."