England moved to the top of Euro 2012 Qualifying Group G with a comfortable 2-0 victory over rock-bottom Wales at the Millennium Stadium.<\/p>\n
England manager Fabio Capello had endured a torrid week in the media over his handling of John Terry’s reinstatement as captain and defeat in Cardiff would have seen the pressure increase considerably.<\/p>\n
Yet that seemed unlikely from the moment Frank Lampard struck with a seventh-minute penalty and Darren Bent doubled the advantage with a typical close-range finish eight minutes later.<\/p>\n
Wales, having been overpowered in the first half, restored pride with a competitive display after the break but Gary Speed could not be spared defeat in his first home international as manager.<\/p>\n
The only major downside for England, who move to the top of Group G, was a booking for Wayne Rooney which will keep him out of the next qualifier against Switzerland in June.<\/p>\n
England were rarely extended in the first period with the outstanding Ashley Young, playing alongside Rooney behind Bent, at the heart of all their good work.<\/p>\n
Scott Parker, winning his first cap for four and a half years, was composed in front of the back four and Jack Wilshere, making his first competitive start, looked a natural fit in midfield.<\/p>\n
Terry, although largely untested, did not put a foot wrong as he captained the team for the first time in 17 months.<\/p>\n
Despite Wales’ hopeless plight at the bottom of the group, the hosts had relished the build-up to the encounter with Speed assembling one of the country’s strongest squads for some time.<\/p>\n
His plans suffered a setback when the dangerous Gareth Bale was forced to withdraw earlier in the week but home passion was clearly in evidence in the opening stages.<\/p>\n
Craig Bellamy was his usual fired-up self and stood his ground when confronted by Rooney after catching the England striker.<\/p>\n
Aaron Ramsey, becoming Wales’ youngest-ever captain on his return to the side from a broken leg, was also keen to get into the action and a strong early surge offered encouragement.<\/p>\n
That optimism was immediately punctured, however, as England went ahead from the spot.<\/p>\n
A slip by James Collins allowed Terry to slip in Young and the Wales defender clumsily brought down his Aston Villa team-mate as he tried to recover.<\/p>\n
Lampard coolly sent Wayne Hennessey the wrong way and England went on to dominate the first half with ease.<\/p>\n
Ashley Cole had a shot blocked by Ashley Williams before the visitors doubled their lead on 15 minutes after more good work by Young.<\/p>\n
Glen Johnson sent Young racing clear down the right and his cross was clinically dispatched by Bent six yards out.<\/p>\n
Hennessey then had to deal with a dangerous Young cross as England threatened again and Rooney picked out Bent with a superb 60-yard ball only for the striker to head wide.<\/p>\n
Ramsey looked full of energy as he tried to haul Wales back into contention but was perhaps trying too hard to impress and was often left frustrated.<\/p>\n
Wales did get the ball into the box when Bellamy lofted in a free-kick but Joe Hart punched clear under pressure from Steve Morison.<\/p>\n
Rooney was caught in midfield by Andrew Crofts and moments later was booked for a bad challenge on Joe Ledley, an indiscretion that rules him out of the next game.<\/p>\n
Young went close with a dipping effort after spotting Hennessey off his line but the ball dropped over the bar.<\/p>\n
At the other end Bellamy almost played in Andy King but Cole made a timely interception. Morison also broke into the area after turning Michael Dawson but his cross was cleared.<\/p>\n
Wales looked a different side after the break but were almost caught out when a poor clearance by Hennessey allowed Young to cross but Rooney was unable to make contact.<\/p>\n
Bellamy sent King clear with a fine through ball but the Leicester midfielder blasted wide.<\/p>\n
A chance opened up for English-born Morison but the Millwall striker’s control let him down as he looked for his first international goal.<\/p>\n
Ramsey then showed neat footwork on the edge of the area but was unable to keep his shot on target.<\/p>\n
Lampard shot over for England but the visitors had clearly eased off.<\/p>\n
The introduction of David Vaughan and Ched Evans for Wales failed to bring about a breakthrough and England played out time as the game became scrappy.<\/p>\n
Stewart Downing, a late replacement for Wilshere, shot narrowly wide after a fine run in the 90th minute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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