England could not break down Rodrigo`s side in a goalless first half, causing the travelling fans to barrack their players with boos and chants of "You're not fit to wear the shirt".

But two strikes from Gerrard and a third from substitute David Nugent eventually handed the visitors the three points.

Rodrigo said: "As time went on, England became frustrated and that helped us as we were finding it easier to defend against them.

"We played well and made it difficult for England, but in the end we were very tired.

"I think the difference in the fitness levels between the two teams showed and it came down to Gerrard, who was the best player on the pitch.

"Apart from Gerrard and Lennon, none of the England players really caused us problems."

In a physical game, Rodrigo did not think his players overstepped the mark as a number of confrontations erupted between the two sides.

He added: "Football is a man's game, it is normal that there are confrontations and it was a hard-fought game."

And he admitted he even thought his side might claim a famous point.

"You can dream and we were dreaming of getting a result as the match went on, but it wasn't to be in the end," he said.

Rodrigo does not believe fourth-placed England are certainties to make the finals in Switzerland and Austria next summer.

"England will have to go to Russia and win," he added. "Croatia beat Israel, so they have less pressure on them, so I think they will win and the second place will be between England and Russia."