Gareth Southgate was keen to praise the performances of Wayne Rooney, Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard following England's 2-0 win over Malta on Saturday.
The interim boss, who replaced Sam Allardyce at the helm 11 days ago, enjoyed his first game in charge on Saturday as Daniel Sturridge and Alli struck first-half goals at Wembley to secure a second win from two matches in World Cup qualifying.
Southgate handed an international debut to Manchester United forward Lingard, while he played Tottenham midfielder Alli in an advanced role behind the forwards.
That meant captain Wayne Rooney was played in central midfield and Southgate was quick to praise all three players after the match.
He told Sky Sports: "Rooney dictated the play and controlled the game for us.
"We knew we'd have a lot of the ball and I think having his experience and leadership, not only today, but to get through what's been a difficult week, has been important for the team.
"I think number 10 is Dele's best position. He's a super link between the midfield and forwards and he is a goalscorer, that's one of his strengths.
"I was also delighted __with Jesse Lingard. I thought he had an outstanding game. I thought he was really bright, linked the play well and was very creative in a lot of the play that he did.
"For him it would have been nice to cap that __with a goal."
Alli, Lingard and Theo Walcott all spurned good chances to extend England's advantage as they warmed up for Tuesday night's visit to Slovenia.
While Southgate was frustrated by the wasteful finishing of his players, he insisted there is "more to come" in the remaining three matches of his spell.
"I thought we did some very good things," he said.
"In the first half we moved the ball very well, made several very good chances and took our goals well.
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"The keeper made some excellent saves and I think in the second half there was a little bit of looking after ourselves for Tuesday, subconsciously - but we still could have had a more comfortable win. That gives us plenty to work on.
"There's a lot more to come but after what has been a very difficult 10 days for everybody to play as well as they did in the first half was pleasing. There's a lot more to come.
"You've got to remember we played a team that was 5-4-1 and we've had problems breaking that down in the last few months. We created a lot of chances and have to be more ruthless in finishing them.
"Of course, you would like a heavier win and for everyone to go home absolutely flying but I don't think that was because we didn't create enough chances. We didn't finish them today."
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