England boss Roy Hodgson singles out Ross Barkley for praise

Theo Walcott and Raheem Sterling downed Estonia for England’s ninth win in nine Euro 2016 qualifiers.

In-form Walcott hit his seventh goal in nine on the stroke of half time while Sterling added an 85th-minute second .

Boss Roy Hodgson, however, reserved special praise for Ross Barkley who set up the first and lit up Wembley with an impressive display.

He said: “It’s not often that I really contest people’s choice for Man of the Match. There were one or two other candidates, but I’m pleased Ross got it. We saw what he can do out there.”

Barkley was delighted by his display. The Everton star, who has been in fine form for his club recently, said: “I’m over the moon with my performance.”I was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Because I’m an atttacking midfielder it is important to get goals, but it was even more important that we got the three points.”

Hodgson’s men had already qualified for the European Championships as Group E winners with a 100% record.