5 things we learned

Roy discovers inner Klopp

To think Roy Hodgson once had the reputation of being negative. Not any more. Last night’s 4-3-3 line-up and approach were the most attackminded by England at a tournament. They pressed without the ball and pushed forward with it. It was like watching Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, or Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham.

Lallana has own fairytale

While Jamie Vardy’s rags-to-riches story has attracted film-makers, Adam Lallana’s journey is equally as remarkable. When he was 21 he was playing League One football, but here he was, one of England’s chosen XI and setting the tone with incredible energy.

Alli good, but not greatest

The Tottenham man justified his place in the team, with Russia finding him very difficult to pick up. He also won the free kick for Eric Dier’s goal. But his big moment in front of goal came early from Lallana’s knockdown and he didn’t quite catch his half-volley right.

Get Kane out of the corner

Harry Kane has excellent technique and there has to be a reason for him to take set-pieces. But given how Russia flapped at corners, surely another aerial threat would have been welcome. You’d have thought others in the team would be good enough to take a corner.

Pride of Three Lions

Gary Neville didn’t sing God Save The Queen as a player. But with coach Neville watching on, every one of the side last night belted out the words, Gary Cahill and Joe Hart with particular gusto. Even Wayne Rooney, reluctant to join in at the start of his career, gave it a good go.