England captain Steven Gerrard was full of praise for his defensive teammates following the sides two recent World Cup qualifiers.
The Three Lions defeated Moldova 4-0 in London on Friday night before holding Ukraine to a 0-0 draw in Kiev on Tuesday and the ability to keep a pair of clean sheets was warmly welcomed by Gerrard.
The 33 year old said : “Two clean sheets in four days answers a lot of critics,”.
“I thought Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill were brilliant, and you have to add Ashley Cole and Kyle Walker in to that. I thought Ash was unbelievable.
“Every big game I have played with Ashley Cole he has stood up and been terrific. He and Kyle Walker kept their two danger men quiet.
“Joe (Hart) did everything needed of him and I am sure these two clean sheets will do wonders for his confidence.”