England vs Moldova: What We Have Learned from Roy Hodgson's Side

It was an unsurprising result when England breezed to a 5-0 victory in their qualifying game against Moldova, but it was an interesting match in some respects.

Who would have thought that Frank Lampard would have led the team in goals, as he scored in the fourth minute and the 29th minute?

Although Moldova offered little resistance, some players really turned heads on the pitch.

Steven Gerrard, the old guard, contributed to the tempo of the game and was paired with Lampard on the pitch.

The result was a desirable one, with both veterans assisting one another consistently. Gerrard was part of the build-up to Lampard’s second goal when he supplied Glen Johnson with the ball that finally met Lampard’s head.

England’s front line looked sharp, as it seemed like they converted most of their chances to goals.

Jermain Defoe and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were definitely the strongest forwards. Although Oxlade-Chamberlain didn’t manage to get his boots dirty scoring a goal, he did create chances and contributed to the rhythm of the game.

Defoe, on the other hand, is a master in front of the net and always manages to challenge the keeper.

Defensively, England looked intact, with John Terry playing to the level that’s expected of him in the first half. His second half was less impressive, although he had to be taken off due to injury in the end.

Leighton Baines made a spectacular debut, with Oxlade-Chamberlain allowing enough space for the rookie to move forward comfortably. Although his job on the back line was effortless due to Moldova’s empty advances, he didn’t make any wrong moves.

Joe Hart managed to keep a clean sheet, which a keeper can never complain about.

Roy Hodgson can sleep peacefully after his side’s confident performance. Although a win over Moldova is nothing to write home about, it was revealing in some aspects.

Baines proved that he is a part of England’s future, while Lampard showed the fans why he is still a big part of England’s present.