5 things we have learned on the road to EURO 2012

What the qualifiers have taught us: 1) STEWART DOWNING AND ASHLEY YOUNG CAN DO IT Young’s improvement started last season and has been maintained by his move to Manchester United. Now Downing, newly installed at Liverpool, seems likely to establish himself under Fabio Capello. The pair combined well for England’s winner. 2) DON’T ISOLATE WAYNE ROONEY England’s hopes continue to revolve around Rooney and when he plays well, so do the national team. Against Wales, Rooney was denied support. But the return of Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard will help England’s most important player. 3) ASHLEY COLE WON’T LET YOU DOWN Gary Speed pitted Gareth Bale against Cole because he wanted the Spurs winger to cut in off the right and on to his left foot. Cole, who won his 91st cap on Tuesday to move into sixth place on England’s all-time list, handled him superbly. 4) JACK WILSHERE IS ALREADY MISSED Arsenal midfielder Wilshere, at only 19, has collected five caps but without his poise and control England’s engine room is less effective. Fabio Capello can’t have him back quickly enough from his ankle injury, though he is expected to be out until November. 5) RIO FERDINAND HAS A SERIOUS RIVAL England used eight different partnerships at centre-half last season in just nine internationals. Gary Cahill and John Terry  started in both matches this season and Cahill has proved Rio Ferdinand now has a genuine rival at this level. 5) RIO FERDINAND HAS A SERIOUS RIVAL England used eight different partnerships at centre-half last season in just nine internationals. Gary Cahill and John Terry  started in both matches this season and Cahill has proved Rio Ferdinand now has a genuine rival at this level.