Wednesday 1 April 2015 17:06, UK
England's second-half recovery in Turin provided proof they have moved on since the World Cup, according to Wayne Rooney.
Italy dominated the first half of Tuesday night's friendly and led at the break through a goal from Southampton's Graziano Pelle.
At that point a first defeat since Brazil looked likely for Roy Hodgson's side, but substitutes Michael Carrick and Ross Barkley played parts in a revival capped by an equaliser from a third substitute, Andros Townsend.
Hodgson admitted having words at half-time in what was billed beforehand as a first real test for his new-look England.
And Rooney said: "We have (moved on from the World Cup) and I think that's why we were so disappointed with the first half. We know we're better than that. Even though we had a lot of changes, we know we are a better team than what we showed first half.
"We were upset, I'll be honest, in the dressing room after the first half. Everyone was upset with the way we performed.
"It showed great character from everyone to go out in the second half to put in the performance we did, to get back in the game, and we were unlucky not to go on and win it.
"Italy are a great team and I think one of their biggest strengths is seeing the game out. We worked hard, we pushed the ball well, showed a lot of composure on the ball and created chances.
"On another night we might have scored another goal, but I think overall probably a draw for both teams was a fair result in the way the game went."
Barkley's performance was highlighted by Hodgson after the game, and Rooney said: "Ross is a terrific player. He is a terrific young player and I think he can have an impact when he comes on.
"He did that, he took the ball, he ran at the Italian defenders and made it difficult for them. Hopefully, he can kick on now for the rest of the season."
