Steven Gerrard: Captain Gerrard's Norway verdict

Steven Gerrard today insisted he was pleased with the way England performed during Roy Hodgson's first game in charge, but knows he and his teammates can improve before next month's European Championships. Gerrard was withdrawn after 46 minutes of the friendly against Norway to allow Hodgson to assess other players included in his 23-man England squad for the Euros. The skipper played alongside Scott Parker in the central midfield role and looked comfortable throughout the first half, carefully chosing the right time to bomb forward and support Andy Carroll and Ashley Young, while helping control the tempo of the game from the middle of the park. And for Gerrard the win was the most important thing on the night. "It was a satisfying night overall," said Gerrard. "If you look at the result and the clean sheet, for my first game as official captain and Roy's first game it was pleasing. "We know that we can play better than that. Hopefully once we get used to the manager a bit more, and have more of his training sessions, and the message hits home a bit more, we will improve. "For me it's always nice to lead my country out but what is more important is that I won as captain. You are judged on winning games and it was nice to get off to a winning start. "Not just for me but for everyone. When a new manager comes in there is a bit of pressure on. But it's a nice win, a clean sheet. There were quite a few positives." Gerrard was quizzed about a heavy challenge he made on Norway defender Tom Hogli mid-way through the first half and the skipper insisted the tackle was made in all fairness and that it was a good one. "There was nothing late about the tackle," insisted Gerrard. "I won it fair and square. It felt good. It felt clean. The kid is okay, so no problem. I don't think the tackle is an issue."