Joe Cole double wins for Three Lions

Manager Fabio Capello surprised many people with his starting lineup before the game. Out went David Beckham, Wes Brown and Joe Cole and in came Glen Johnson, Theo Walcott and Stewart Downing with Joleon Lescott taking the injured Rio Ferdinand’s place at the back.

England certainly started brightly and in particular Theo Walcott in his first start for the senior side. Within two minutes he had already carved out a couple of opportunities, his pace and trickery causing the home side all sorts of problems.

Capello replaced Downing and Defoe with Joe Cole and Emile Heskey and within three minutes Cole had volleyed England ahead. A Lampard free kick was touched on by Lescott and Cole finished sweetly to finally give the visitors the lead.

Ten minutes later and Cole had his, and England’s second of the match. A slide rule pass from Rooney on the edge of the box sent the Chelsea man through and he comfortably slotted the ball underneath the advancing Koldo.

While Capello will point to a victory and three points comfortably gained, the trip to Zagreb on Wednesday will provide a far sterner challenge and England will need to improve considerably if they are to return home with any kind of result.

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