Hansen's England verdict

BBC Sport's Alan Hansen gives his verdict on England's 2-1 defeat of Finland in the World Cup qualifier at Anfield.

It wasn't a scintillating performance by England, but the result was the most important thing.

You win the match and then worry later about how you've played.

Nobody remembers the performances in the qualifiers - it's all about getting the points on the board.

After coming back from being one behind during the first-half, it now takes them to Albania with renewed confidence.

England were hanging on a little bit at the end, and Jari Litmanen had a great chance for Finland.

Sol Campbell played exceptionally well at centre-back

  BBC Sport's Alan Hansen

But the players showed a lot of character to get back into it after going a goal down.

England scored two great goals and Andy Cole could have finished it off with another.

Finland aren't the greatest team, but at the same time they are a big, strong physical side.

Plus points

England can take away some plus points, such as the two goals.

David Seaman made a great save near the end, and that save alone made him worth his place in the team.

There were one or two other bright performances.

I thought Sol Campbell played exceptionally well at centre-back.

Against a better side, it wasn't the sort of performance which would have given England three points.

Having said that, they showed a lot of character, and winning the game was what counted.