Gerrard pleased for Rooney

England captain Steven Gerrard has praised Wayne Rooney after the striker ended his international goal drought against Switzerland.

Rooney was named in the starting XI of the Euro 2012 qualifier despite allegations surrounding his private life.

And the Manchester United striker broke the deadlock in Basel to help the Three Lions on their way to a 3-1 Group G win.

The goal was Rooney's first competitive international strike since September 2009, and Gerrard has saluted his compatriot.

Gerrard told Sky Sports: "I think the goal was great for Wayne. All the talk in the build-up was about Wayne, so it was nice for him to get the goal.

"Tonight again he was terrific, like he was on Friday. I am sure he will be great for us during qualification."

Lazy

Of England's display on Tuesday night, Gerrard praised his team-mates but felt they took their foot off the gas in the second half.

He said: "I don't think we could have asked for more. I think the first half performance was perfect, everything the manager asked from us.

"We got a bit lazy in the second half and the passing wasn't quick enough, but it was never in doubt.

"People were talking about how good the Swiss were defensively, but we just tore them apart.

"We were always comfortable. The third goal killed off the game. We just have to learn not to get sloppy.

"But I think a lot of credit is deserved for beating Switzerland 3-1. And it should have been five or six."