From the Lion's Den: June 5th

England played a friendly match against Ecuador, in which they drew 2-2. Wayne Rooney and Rickie Lambert got the goals for England, but Raheem Sterling was sent-off after a scuffle along with Antonio Valencia. There's some good news and bad news apart from the results.

First, the bad news..

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain impresses in the game and certainly did himself a lot of favor in his display against the South American side. Our very own David Wyatt pointed out that "he was positive and composed on the ball", "..a menace all day", "..should help his chances of starting in Brazil against Italy on opening day".

HOWEVER..

He had to come off in the 63rd minute with what looks like a knee injury/ligament damage. He is set to have a scan later today. #PrayforOx

And the good news..

Raheem Sterling got himself sent-off in the match which raise a worry that he won't be available for England's opening fixture against Italy, but he will serve the one-game suspension in England's next friendly against Honduras instead.

What Roy Hodgson thought

RH: 'In my opinion, it's quite a well-merited and prestigious draw against a strong Ecuadorian team.' #EngvEcu #3lions

— England (@england) June 4, 2014

Lamps hail England's Youngsters

Frank Lampard praises England's youngsters especially in their contribution going forward. This is what he had to say:

"That's what you want from the players. That's what you're talking about with the young players, they give you that edge going forward."

"I think all the front boys, in an attacking sense, had lots of good moments and showed some good stuff. It's a shame we didn't get more goals to finish them off and put them out of the game."

Breach of security

We're not talking of England's leaky defense here. Prior to the match, the team sheets handed by the match organizers in the press box includes the players' passport number, where it was quickly spread to social media.

One for the "pessimist" team

Former England head coach, Sven Goran-Eriksson has this to say about England's chances in Brazil:

"They are not winning, absolutely not winning."

Nothing like a vote of confidence from your former head coach to lift the spirits.

Two happy Merseyside boys

Jon Flanagan made his England debut:

Delighted to make my England debut today.

— jon flanagan (@jon_flan93) June 4, 2014

While Ross Barkley tweeted this:

Delighted to have made my first start for @england. Hopefully many more to come

— Ross Barkley (@RBarkley20) June 5, 2014

When he's not scoring goals..

He's busy starring in selfies! (via D_Sturridge)

Good game from the boys today. 2-2 draw. Was chilling with the skipper and @PJags06 #england #WorldCup2014 pic.twitter.com/t6Cwcv2LbY

— Daniel Sturridge (@D_Sturridge) June 4, 2014