Ross Barkley says that although frustrated not to open his Wembley account, the fact that England maintained their perfect qualifying record was the most important thing.
The Three Lions beat Estonia 2-0 at Wembley to make it nine wins from nine en route to France 2016 – with the Everton midfielder putting in a man of the match performance.
Barkley twice went close to netting his first international goal at home but could not beat Mihkel Aksalu in the Estonia goal.
England 2-0 Estonia
UEFA Euro 2016
Group E Qualifier
Friday 9 October 2015
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Not something though, he says, he is overly concerned with.
“I was disappointed not to get on the scoresheet but the main thing was for us to win the game and maintain our unbeaten run in the group,” he told TheFA.com.
“The keeper did well to be fair. I connected with it really well and perhaps should have kept it low but the keeper made a great save."
He continued: “I got an assist so I am happy with that. I thought it was a good result, we had to be very patient at times today because Estonia got a lot of men behind the ball.
Ross Barkley goes close to scoring his first England goal at Wembley
“They don’t really concede that many goals, so it was frustrating, but we got there in the end.”
Barkley – making his 16th international appearance – has been in fine form for Everton so far this term.
And after being awarded the official man of the match award at Wembley, he said he was delighted with how things are going for him at present.
“I’m just in a zone, fully focused on what I want to do on the pitch,” he added.
“Playing at Wembley is like a dream. We have a lot of talent within the group and a lot of experienced players who help us.
"Now our main aim to is go to Lithuania and get the job done there."
Raheem Sterling celebrates with Ross Barkley after England's second
He continued: “I really feel an important part of this squad and game by game hoping to stamp my authority on the pitch.
“I’m feeling confident and have been playing well at club level and have taken my form into the game today.”
Next up for England and Barkley is an away date in Lithuania.
Roy Hodgson’s men will head home after Friday’s game to spend two nights with their families, before flying out on Sunday.
The game kicks off at 7.45pm on Monday 12 October, and is live on ITV.
England's Ross Barkley speaks after victory over Estonia
