Gerrard: We've regrouped

Steven Gerrard believes England have 'regrouped' since the World Cup debacle, but will not be carried away by the perfect start to the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

England endured a miserable summer in South Africa as the team scrambled out of the group phase before being crushed 4-1 by Germany in the second round.

The abject showing at the finals prompted calls for coach Fabio Capello to be replaced while the players also came in for heavy criticism amid cries for an overhaul of the national team.

Capello has subsequently tweaked his side, rather than gone for wholesale alterations, and has been rewarded with back-to-back wins over Bulgaria and Switzerland in England's first qualifiers for the European Championship.

However, while stand-in captain Gerrard has been pleased with the response to their World Cup woe, the midfielder accepts it will be a 'long process' before England are back to their best.

Gerrard said: "I think all the players realised that over in South Africa it wasn't good enough so we needed to regroup.

"We need to stick together and try and raise the performance levels. I think over the last two games we have certainly done that.

"I just think we've regrouped. Everyone was hurt and disappointed by letting the nation down over in South Africa.

"We know we have to put it right, but it's important not to get carried away by these two results.

"It's going to be a long time and a long process before we're really back."

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