Eriksson praises 'excellent' Fowler

Fowler celebrates his goal with Gerrard

Sven Goran Eriksson applauded England's Liverpool contingent for their part in England's comfortable 4-0 win over Mexico at Pride Park.

The England coach was impressed by some energetic performances after a gruelling season.

And he singled out Robbie Fowler for special praise after the striker capped his recent return to form with a well-taken goal.

Eriksson said: "Fowler was excellent. I thought the partnership between him and Michael Owen up front was excellent."

It was very positive for the Greece game. We moved the ball well and created a lot of chances

  Sven Goran Eriksson

The England coach also extolled the virtues of midfield powerhouse Steven Gerrard, adding: "Let's hope he can stay fit for Athens.

"I thought he had a great game and he is very important to us."

Fowler was pleased to have carried his good form into the national set-up.

He said: "Any goal for my country is nice and it is important for me to start scoring a few more for England.

"I know I've not been as prolific as I would have liked even though a few of my appearances have been as substitute.

Eriksson is pleased his players are still hungry

"But I've come into the England set-up with my confidence up after the end to the season at Liverpool. I felt good coming into the game.

"I actually played a few games and I managed to score a few goals but it's nice to grab another."

England's other goals came from Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Teddy Sheringham in another very encouraging display.

Nothing to fear

Eriksson admitted that he was now "very positive" about his team's chances in the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Greece on 6 June.

He continued: "We moved the ball well and created a lot of chances, while Mexico created very little.

"I think when we have everyone fit we have a very good team. It's a very good group of players who are still hungry."

Eriksson was pleased that England had extended their lead in the second-half, despite the fact he made 11 substitutions.

Greece are a very good team and I don't think we will have scared them

  Paul Scholes

"In the first half, we were excellent. In the second, considering it was a team that hadn't played together before, they did very well."

Beckham meanwhile was delighted that he had managed to switch positions with Gerrard to such great effect.

Gerrard set up Fowler's goal from the right flank after being played in by his captain.

"We said before the game that if there was a chance to swap, we'd do it," Beckham said.

"Stevie is so powerful for such a young lad. When he goes out wide I can get in the middle, which is nice."

But England's man-of-the-match Scholes called for restraint ahead of the Greece game.

"They are a very good team and I don't think we will have scared them," he insisted.