Pearce keeps focus on task ahead

England manager Stuart Pearce insisted the challenge remains the same after a 2-0 win against Portugal on Friday secured top spot in Group 3.

Title hopes
A James Milner penalty followed by Gabriel Agbonlahor's 63rd-minute strike ensured a comfortable win against one of the tournament favourites, but with the play-offs looming Stuart was quick to remind his players there was still plenty of hard work to come. "They know what we set out for them to do – and that is to win the tournament hopefully next summer. At the moment all we've done is top the group.

Portugal defeated
"We're pleased we've done that, it is our first port of call, but it means nothing to me and the players at the moment. We were aware that if Portugal did get through the section they would be very, very strong next summer with the ability to win the tournament and we feared them. Leading into the game our aim was to put them out of the competition. It was a tough game and we were pleased to have won. They are one of the top sides in Europe."

Pride
England finished the section undefeated, conceding just one goal – a point of pride acknowledged by Pearce. "We felt would be a pretty tough qualification campaign and it has turned out that way. Portugal home and away have been two tough games, make no mistake. When you have to go to places like Bulgaria and Montenegro to win matches it is not easy, but we have got out of the group and will go to the draw in Malmo next Friday and see where it takes us from there."

No distractions
Pearce also praised the focus of his players during a tumultuous week at many of their clubs, with major off-field changes taking place at Manchester City FC, Newcastle United FC and West Ham United FC. Milner, Martin Cranie and Frazier Campbell were also involved in transfers, the latter two on deadline day last Monday. "There has been a lot happening in football this past week but I think there have been no distractions from the players," Pearce said.

Played well
"One or two have changed clubs and one went out on loan on Monday night – Frazier Campbell, Martin Cranie – so they had that to deal with as well, but I don't think it detracted one moment from what they were trying to achieve for England. I thought we played well. We had cutting edge, the game could have finished four or five nil. From front to back everyone did their job. I think collectively as a team the dressing room shows a very good spirit."