Skipper Steven Gerrard: Ashley Young can be England's lethal weapon at Euro 2012

Skipper Steven Gerrard believes Ashley Young can be England's lethal weapon during the Euro 2012 finals.

Young helped new England head coach Roy Hodgson get off to a winning start with the only goal against Norway in last night's friendly international in Oslo.

The Manchester United player has now scored four goals in his last four appearances for his country and linked up well with main striker Andy Carroll.

The Norwegians struggled to contain Young, particularly during the first half, as he found plenty of space to exploit in between the midfield and defence.

Gerrard said: "Ashley is a good player and when he plays that withdrawn role off the front man and gets in between the lines, he is very dangerous and skilful.

"Opposing defenders and midfielders don't know how to pick him up because he finds the space so well.

"He is in good form for England and is scoring a lot of goals at the right time with the Euros coming up.

"We are really pleased with Ashley's performance and I thought him and Andy look decent together."

Gerrard has high hopes of Carroll after his end of season form for Liverpool and he did not disappoint in his first England start for 14 months.

He said: "I thought Andy did okay. It was all eyes on him because of the form he showed when he finished the season for Liverpool.

"He will be a big asset for this team and this squad if he can play to his level.

"Andy worked so hard and put a real shift in. He always does that and that's what you've got to understand with him.

"Not only is his form good at the moment, he is putting in a hell of a lot of hard work for the team."

Gerrard worked under Hodgson at Liverpool and h! as no do ubt that he will bring success to England.

He said: "Roy is now England manager and it is important we all get behind him and support him, that the crowd get behind him.

"He is a good manager and I'm sure moving forward he can be really successful.

"When every manager comes in there is a bit of pressure on and it is always important to start well. You get judged on winning games.

"The more we get used to the manager, then better performances will come."

Gerrard also allayed any fears about his own fitness after completing the first half.

He said: "It was always the plan for me to play 45 minutes. I had a bit of a tight hamstring towards the end of the season.

"I missed a couple of games towards the end. But I'm fine, I've come through 45 minutes and I'm raring to go next week."

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