England moved back top of Euro 2012 Qualifying Group C courtesy of a 2-0 win over Wales in Cardiff.
Goals in the first 14 minutes from Frank Lampard and Darren Bent were enough to see England to a solid win. England move ahead of second placed Montenegro in the group courtesy of goal difference.
A passionate Wales crowd booed the English anthem but were silenced only seven minutes in when James Collins bundled over England winger Ashley Young and a penalty was awarded. Midfielder Lampard stepped up to calmly convert the penalty and give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead.
England continued their positive start and had the reeling Welsh two goals down eight minutes later. Glen Johnson released Young down the right flank, and the Aston Villa winger’s teasing cross was turned home by Bent to give Fabio Capello’s men a commanding lead.
Wales began to settle into the game and enjoy some possession, but a solid midfield performance from Jack Wilshere and Scott Parker helped England go into half-time with a 2-0 lead.
The second half became a physical affair and a confrontation between Ashley Cole and Craig Bellamy resulted in Wayne Rooney adopting the ironic role of peacemaker.
Rooney could have followed his own advice later as he received a yellow card for a reckless foul on Joe Ledley. The booking means Rooney will miss England’s next Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in June.
As the game went on, Young found himself in space more often as Wales pushed bodies forward, and was unlucky not to cap his superb performance with a goal when his rising drive just cleared the bar.
SCORING SUMMARY
Eng – Frank Lampard (penalty kick) 7’
Eng – Darren Bent (Ashley Young) 14’
LINEUPS
Wal – Hennessey, Gunter, D Collins, J Collins, Williams, Crofts, Ledley, Ramsey, King (Vaughan 65), Bellamy, Morison (Evans 65).
Eng – Hart, G Johnson, A Cole, Dawson, Terry, Parker (Jagielka 88), Lampard, Wilshere (Downing 82), Young, Bent, Rooney (Milner 70).
LiveSoccerTV Man of the Match: Ashley Young (England).
Attendance: 68,959
A passionate Wales crowd booed the English anthem but were silenced only seven minutes in when James Collins bundled over England winger Ashley Young and a penalty was awarded. Midfielder Lampard stepped up to calmly convert the penalty and give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead.
England continued their positive start and had the reeling Welsh two goals down eight minutes later. Glen Johnson released Young down the right flank, and the Aston Villa winger’s teasing cross was turned home by Bent to give Fabio Capello’s men a commanding lead.
Wales began to settle into the game and enjoy some possession, but a solid midfield performance from Jack Wilshere and Scott Parker helped England go into half-time with a 2-0 lead.
The second half became a physical affair and a confrontation between Ashley Cole and Craig Bellamy resulted in Wayne Rooney adopting the ironic role of peacemaker.
Rooney could have followed his own advice later as he received a yellow card for a reckless foul on Joe Ledley. The booking means Rooney will miss England’s next Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in June.
As the game went on, Young found himself in space more often as Wales pushed bodies forward, and was unlucky not to cap his superb performance with a goal when his rising drive just cleared the bar.
SCORING SUMMARY
Eng – Frank Lampard (penalty kick) 7’
Eng – Darren Bent (Ashley Young) 14’
LINEUPS
Wal – Hennessey, Gunter, D Collins, J Collins, Williams, Crofts, Ledley, Ramsey, King (Vaughan 65), Bellamy, Morison (Evans 65).
Eng – Hart, G Johnson, A Cole, Dawson, Terry, Parker (Jagielka 88), Lampard, Wilshere (Downing 82), Young, Bent, Rooney (Milner 70).
LiveSoccerTV Man of the Match: Ashley Young (England).
Attendance: 68,959
