Belarus coach Bernd Stange admits they were outclassed by England in last night's World Cup qualifier.

Reflecting on the 3-1 defeat, Stange said: "The first half we played today was the best we've ever played in Minsk, but it was not good enough to beat England.

"They are stronger, better and with physical strength. They had too much power for us. That's why it was so difficult."

After Wayne Rooney sealed England's victory with two second-half goals, Stange also rued the absence through injury for Belarus of the former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb.

"Of course, it was a big blow for us to be without Alexander Hleb," he said. "He's a very important player for the Belarus team - we have no one to replace him - and we missed him.

"He's a player who could play in the England national team. Fabio Capello has five or six players for any position out there on the field. We don't have a variety of players from whom to choose from.

"It was a very hard game for us and the second goal for England broke us totally. But, it's a great experience and it was a great moment when we equalised. We don't have players at clubs like Chelsea or Liverpool, or Everton. But the game we showed in the first-half was something we should be proud of."