Capello: Delighted

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Fabio Capello paid tribute to his England players following the 3-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Belarus.

England took the lead through Steven Gerrard early on but Belarus played their part in an entertaining first half and soon equalised.

Wayne Rooney made it 2-1 to the Three Lions in the 50th minute and the Manchester United striker then sealed the win with his second of the night.

A delighted Capello told Sky Sports News: "The players were fantastic. We suffered in the first half because Belarus are a good team but in the second half we played very well.

"We scored three goals and hit one post (Gerrard missed a late chance)."

Rooney praise

Capello singled out Rooney for special praise as he was impressed by the 22-year-old's overall display.

"I am very happy. It is a fantastic moment, not only for the goals that he scored but for his movement and everything that he did on the pitch."

England have won all four of their World Cup qualifiers and Capello is thrilled with the way the team is starting to play.

Asked how he had brought out the best in the players, the Italian said: "When we started I did a lot of experiments but after the victory over Croatia I think we have confidence.

"We have good players who can play together and that is the most important thing."