By CHARLIE WYETT
ROY HODGSON hailed his heroes as he became the only England manager to boast a 100 per cent record against Brazil.
Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard goals gave England a stunning Wembley triumph over the five-time World Cup winners.
Hodgson beamed: “I’m pleased. We proved we are good enough. It’s my first crack at Brazil as a manager and I’m delighted to have been able to oversee a victory.
“This is a good win for us. I hope this gives the players belief. Most importantly, it was an all-round performance from the team.
“There were some very good moments and we were value for our two goals to one.”
Joe Hart made a superb double save from Ronaldinho’s penalty before Rooney fired England ahead on 27 minutes.
Fred levelled but Lampard hit a cracking winner on the hour.
It was England’s first win over Brazil in 23 years — and the first time the Three Lions had scored twice against the South American giants since 1984.
Hodgson added: “When you manage England and you play at Wembley you are proud for any win.
“Apart from a mad spell at the start of the second half when we lost the ball, the team dealt well with Brazil’s questions.
“The thing that pleased me the most was the character we showed after that dodgy spell.
“They smelt a bit of blood, I thought we did well to survive that spell and take control of the game again.”
Despite victory, Hodgson was still cautious about next month’s World Cup qualifiers in San Marino and Montenegro.
He added: “It’s not done us any harm but qualifiers are qualifiers — playing in Montenegro will be a very different experience.
“But the players have shown in the nine months I’ve been in the job there is character and fight in the team and people are prepared to put their bodies on the line.
“That has to give me encouragement.”
Defeated Brazil boss Phil Scolari admitted England deserved to win. The former Chelsea chief said: “I am not disappointed to lose that game.
“We played against a strong England team with strong players and they were in good physical condition.”
